Crystal Palace are dealing with a major transfer deadline push from winger Ismaïla Sarr, who wants to leave the club. The Eagles are insisting the Senegal international is not for sale, according to a report from Sky Sports Football this weekend. This comes as the club is close to finalising the departure of defender Daniel Munoz to Nottingham Forest for a fee of around £22 million. The transfer window closes on Tuesday at 11pm.
Palace's difficult start to the Premier League season adds urgency to their decisions. They sit 19th in the table with zero points from two games, having scored just once while conceding six. Key players like Sarr and Chadi Riad are currently sidelined, which you can track on our injuries page. Their next chance to turn things around is an away match against Fulham on September 5th.
Why does Ismaïla Sarr want to leave Crystal Palace?
Ismaïla Sarr has informed Crystal Palace of his desire to secure a move before Tuesday's deadline. The 28-year-old winger, who is under contract until 2029, has missed the team's first two matches of the campaign due to injury. Sky Sports reports that Liverpool made an approach for Sarr in the past week, viewing him as one of several options to bolster their attack. Brighton's Yankuba Minteh is another player said to be on their list. Despite this interest, Palace's stance is firm: Sarr is not available for transfer.
What is the latest on Daniel Munoz's move to Forest?
Negotiations between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest for right-back Daniel Munoz are at the final stages. Forest, now managed by former Palace boss Oliver Glasner, made a £22 million bid earlier in the week and are close to reaching an agreement. Munoz has been a key player for Palace since his £8.5 million arrival from Genk in January 2024, helping the club win the FA Cup and the Conference League. The 30-year-old Colombian has two years remaining on his contract, but Glasner is keen to be reunited with him at the City Ground.
How is Crystal Palace planning for the season ahead?
The potential sale of Munoz, a consistent starter, suggests planning is already underway. Palace may have prepared for this possibility by signing Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise this summer for £21 million. The club's involvement in both the Europa League and Conference League this season demands a deep and adaptable squad. Balancing domestic struggles with European commitments will be a significant challenge, as reflected in the current standings.
With the deadline fast approaching, Palace's immediate focus is managing outgoings while holding onto a disgruntled star. Letting Munoz go for a significant profit makes business sense, but losing Sarr would further deplete attacking options for a team already struggling for goals. The club's decisions in the next 48 hours will be vital for their campaign, which continues with a trip to Fulham next weekend. Fans can follow the team's schedule on our fixtures page.
