Pierre Sage wants Ismaila Sarr to stay at Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage says he wants Ismaila Sarr to remain at the club after interest from Turkish side Galatasaray. Palace rejected an offer for Sarr, 28, from Galatasaray, after it fell significantly below their valuation.
What happened?
Sarr has been managing a slight groin injury and did not travel to Everton for Saturday's Premier League opener despite Sage saying on Thursday he would be available. He has been managing a slight groin injury, something Sage said post-match had worsened. "The doctor, the player and I took the decision before our training session yesterday to let him have treatment," Sage told a post-match press conference.
Why it matters for Crystal Palace
There was not a clear denial when explicitly asked whether the Senegal international wanted to leave. "We don't want him to leave, he is under contract with us for three years and he will be with us on Monday," the Palace manager continued. "That's the most important information for me and for you."
What comes next?
Sarr joined Palace from Marseille in the summer of 2024 in a €15million deal. He made 45 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 21 goals and adding two assists as Palace finished 15th in the Premier League and won the Conference League. The Senegal international has made 92 appearances for the club, scoring 33 goals, and was part of the side that won the FA Cup in 2025 - Palace's first major trophy.
Sarr was part of the Senegal squad that reached the last-32 of this summer's World Cup, scoring four goals at the tournament. Palace have signed defenders Anan Khalaili, Oscar Mingueza and Takehiro Tomiyasu and wingers Dwight McNeil and Zavier Gozo this summer. The Athletic reported the club are also in talks to sign Chelsea defender Axel Disasi on loan. Uncertainty, however, surrounds the future of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Palace were beaten 2-0 by Everton in their opening game of the Premier League season on Saturday. Ahead of a run of games you can check on our fixtures page for the latest schedule. League standing (final 2025 table - new season not yet under way): 15th in Premier League, 45 pts, 11W-12D-15L from 38 games, recent form LDLDL. Goals this season: 41 scored, 51 conceded (-10 goal difference). Title race: 40 points behind leaders Arsenal. Last result: Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal (2026-05-24). Recent form (last 5): 0W-2D-3L (LLDDL, most recent first); lost the last 2. Currently sidelined: Chadi Riad.
