Liverpool’s attempt to sign Ismaila Sarr has been rejected by Crystal Palace, with the Senegal international pushing to leave and reportedly refusing to train with the Eagles on Monday.
The Reds submitted a second offer for the former Watford and Olympique de Marseille winger, but Crystal Palace have turned it down and appear unwilling to sanction a late departure. Sarr, however, is determined to join Liverpool and reportedly no longer wants to wear the Palace shirt.
The dispute could have consequences well beyond the player and the two clubs involved. Liverpool have just signed Bradley Barcola for 145 million euros, but could still allow Cody Gakpo to join Manchester City. However, the club would only consider selling the Netherlands international if they first bring in a replacement.
Sarr is viewed as a possible successor to Gakpo. Should Liverpool fail to prise the Senegalese winger away from Crystal Palace, Gakpo is expected to remain at Anfield. The uncertainty surrounding Sarr could therefore prevent an entire chain of transfers from going ahead during the final hours of the window.
Ndiaye caught up in a wider transfer chain
The future of Iliman Ndiaye is closely connected to the situation involving Gakpo. Manchester City have resumed talks with Everton over a permanent transfer for the Senegal international and are keen to move quickly while Gakpo’s position at Liverpool remains unresolved.
Ndiaye’s prospects at Everton are also linked to Richarlison. Tottenham have shown an interest in the Brazilian, but discussions between Everton and Richarlison over personal terms have not yet reached a conclusion. As a result, the proposed move has not progressed far enough for Ndiaye to join Spurs.
Manchester City remain attentive and have re-established contact with Everton regarding Ndiaye. The Citizens could even be prepared to include Jack Grealish in the negotiations, with the England international understood to be an important target for Everton.
The possible outcomes are particularly complicated. If Gakpo stays at Liverpool, Manchester City could step up their efforts to sign Ndiaye. If Ndiaye moves to City, that could in turn alter Everton’s plans and affect Tottenham’s interest in Richarlison.
No definitive agreement has been reached at this stage, but negotiations have intensified and the next few hours could prove decisive.
Camara move to Chelsea stalls
At Monaco, Lamine Camara’s proposed transfer to Chelsea has also suffered a significant setback. The two clubs had reached an agreement in principle for the Senegalese midfielder, although details including the payment structure and bonuses still needed to be completed.
The deal has since become more complicated following the involvement of several intermediaries. Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that agents have entered negotiations on both sides, at Chelsea and Monaco. Some are allegedly seeking to increase the transfer fee in order to secure larger commissions.
That intervention has created considerable confusion and significantly slowed the talks. There is also a further concern for Camara: Chelsea only want to sign one midfielder during this transfer window, and their priority is now reported to be Manu Kone.
The move for Camara is therefore “off” for the time being. The Senegal international had appeared to be edging closer to a switch to London, but the deal has taken an unexpected turn with the transfer deadline approaching.
The three cases involve different clubs and different circumstances, but all share the same unanswered question: where will the three Senegal internationals be playing when the transfer window closes on 1 September?
The final hours of the window are expected to be particularly eventful.
