Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr will require time to process the collapse of his proposed move to Liverpool, according to head coach Pierre Sage. The Senegal international, who was the club's leading scorer last season, was reportedly nearing a transfer to Anfield late in the transfer window but the deal ultimately did not materialize, leaving him at Selhurst Park.
"He has to digest 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."
Sarr, 28, has not yet featured for Crystal Palace this season. He missed Premier League defeats against Everton and Manchester City due to a groin injury and will remain sidelined for the upcoming match against Fulham.
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Sarr's future, Crystal Palace was in negotiations with Belgian forward Malick Fofana on deadline day. However, the 21-year-old ultimately chose to leave Lyon for Sunderland in a deal reportedly worth £30 million.
"We gave our best," Sage commented 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."
Crystal Palace's upcoming opponent, Fulham, is also seeking its first Premier League point of the season, having lost its opening two matches against Chelsea and Sunderland.