Pierre Sage says Ismaila Sarr needs time to come to terms with the collapse of his proposed transfer from Crystal Palace to Liverpool, after the Senegal international remained at Selhurst Park when the transfer window closed.
Sarr was linked with a late move to Liverpool but ultimately stayed with Palace, for whom he was the leading scorer in all competitions last season. The forward scored 21 goals and helped the club win the Community Shield and Conference League trophies.
However, Sarr has not yet played for Palace in the Premier League this campaign. He missed their defeats by Everton and Manchester City because of a groin injury and is also expected to be unavailable for Saturday’s visit to Fulham.
Sage believes the failed move could also require Sarr to overcome a psychological setback, having come close to joining Liverpool and securing the opportunity to play at Anfield.
“He has to digest [it] for sure because it’s a dream for a lot of players to play with this kind of club [Liverpool],” Sage said.
“He had a good opportunity, but in the end it didn’t work. If he wants to continue, you have to have a good season with us, as he did last year. We know he needs time.
“Like every bad situation, time does the job, and we need time for that.”
Reports have indicated that Liverpool’s interest in Sarr did not lead to a completed deal after the club decided to retain Cody Gakpo. Liverpool are understood to have rejected an offer from Manchester City for the Frenchman, allowing the Reds to keep their squad intact.
Palace also experienced disappointment on deadline day when their attempt to sign Malick Fofana fell through. The player chose to join Sunderland instead of moving to the Eagles.
Sage said Palace had made every effort to complete the deal but accepted that the final decision rested with Fofana.
“We gave our best,” added Sage on the negotiations.
“At the end of the day, the player chose his criteria, and I wish him and them the best because he’s a good guy and a good player.”
Sarr’s absence leaves Palace without the player who made the biggest contribution to their attack last season, while the club wait for him to recover from his groin problem and deal with the disappointment of missing out on a move to Liverpool.
For now, Sage’s focus is on giving Sarr the time he believes is necessary to move beyond the failed transfer and regain the form that brought him 21 goals and helped Palace claim two trophies last term.
