Sarr hurt after Crystal Palace block dream move to Liverpool, Sage says

Ismaïla Sarr must come to terms with the collapse of his proposed move to Liverpool, Crystal Palace coach Pierre Sage said.

The Senegal international attracted interest from Liverpool late in the transfer window after finishing as Palace’s leading scorer last season. The move did not happen, leaving the 28-year-old at Selhurst Park.

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He has to digest for sure because it’s a dream for a lot of players to play with this kind of club.

“He has to digest for sure because it’s a dream for a lot of players to play with this kind of club,” 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.”

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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.

Sarr has not appeared for Palace this season because of a groin injury. He missed defeats by Everton and Manchester City and will also be unavailable for Saturday’s visit to Fulham. Sage said time should help him move past the disappointment and refocus on Palace.

“Like every bad situation, time does the job and we need time for that,” Sage said.

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Like every bad situation, time does the job and we need time for that.

Palace also tried to reinforce their attack on deadline day by pursuing Belgium forward Malick Fofana. The 21-year-old instead moved from Lyon to Sunderland in a £30 million deal. “We gave our best,” Sage said. “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.” Palace and Fulham are both seeking their first Premier League points after losing their opening two matches.

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We gave our best.