WATFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Ismaila Sarr of Watford looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Watford and Luton Town at Vicarage Road on September 26, 2020 in Watford, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
According to The Sun, Crystal Palace could launch an audacious deadline day bid for Ismaila Sarr of Watford, worth a club-record £30m. Watford knocked back bids from Manchester United during the summer and weren’t willing to budge from their asking price.
Ismaila Sarr is a 22-year-old Senegalese winger who plays for Championship club Watford. He started his youth career at Generation Foot in 2009, in Senegal. After spending 7 years there, he moved to Europe when he was signed by French club FC Metz.
He spent a season at Metz before moving to Stade Rennes in 2017. In two seasons, Sarr played 77 games, scored 18 goals, and made 16 assists (source – Transfermarkt). Last season, Watford brought him to English shores and he kept up his good form despite Watford getting relegated.
Despite the young age, Sarr has already made 22 appearances for the Senegal national team, scoring thrice.
Crystal Palace have a solid squad that can topple any team on their day. Led by the talismanic Wilfried Zaha, the Eagles are exciting to watch at times. On the opposite flank, they have Andros Townsend with his own bag of tricks. These two are genuinely unstoppable when on song.
However, Zaha has always harboured a wish to compete in the Champions League and wanted a move out of Selhurst Park and only Palace’s valuation meant that no team spent that amount (source – The Sun).
Townsend on the other hand is approaching his 30s. Yes, his performances are still top-notch but the club should be looking to add more wide attackers to their ranks irrespective of these two players’ future.
Ismaila Sarr is a very versatile player who can slot in on either wing and as a centre-forward if required. Palace would need to put in a club-record bid for the Senegalese star if they are to lure him to Selhurst Park.
Sarr would be a fantastic signing for Palace if they can somehow pull off a deal. They will get a young, energetic winger who is just starting to show glimpses of his talent.
