Al-Hilal have entered the race to sign Senegal international Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace as the Saudi club consider a late move for the forward before the summer transfer window closes.
According to Foot Mercato, Al-Hilal have made enquiries about the 28-year-old’s situation at Crystal Palace, where uncertainty continues to surround his future at Selhurst Park. The Saudi club have not submitted a formal offer at this stage, but are monitoring Sarr closely and could make an official approach.
The development comes as Galatasaray step up their efforts to prevent Sarr from moving to Saudi Arabia. The Turkish club are reported to be in advanced negotiations with Crystal Palace and are working towards a financial agreement that would allow them to complete the deal.
That has created the prospect of a late contest between clubs from Riyadh and Istanbul for the Senegal forward, with the transfer window approaching its conclusion.
Sarr joined Crystal Palace from Marseille in the summer of 2024. He was not involved in the club’s opening match of the new Premier League season, when Palace were beaten 2-0 away by Everton.
The forward enjoyed a productive campaign last season, making 45 appearances in all competitions for the London club. He scored 21 goals and provided two assists, while also helping Crystal Palace win the UEFA Conference League.
Sarr has also represented Senegal at the World Cup this summer, scoring four goals during the tournament. Senegal’s campaign ended in the round of 32 after they were defeated by Belgium.
Al-Hilal’s interest adds further uncertainty to a situation that has already attracted attention from Galatasaray. While the Saudi club have yet to turn their interest into a formal bid, their decision to examine Sarr’s position could lead to a rapid change in the final hours of the transfer window.
For Crystal Palace, the immediate issue is whether either interested club can agree terms that would persuade them to part with a player who made a significant contribution last season. Galatasaray are currently further along in discussions, but Al-Hilal’s involvement means the competition for Sarr’s signature remains open.
Any formal proposal from Al-Hilal would test Galatasaray’s progress and could turn the negotiations into one of the final major transfer battles of the summer.
