Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has confirmed that Ismaila Sarr requires time to recover emotionally after his anticipated move to Liverpool fell apart during the summer transfer window — and ruled out any January departure for the Senegalese winger.

Liverpool had identified Sarr as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, whose future at Anfield remains uncertain. Brighton & Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh was also explored as an option, but neither deal was completed. Ultimately, Liverpool retained Cody Gakpo — who had been close to joining Manchester City — to provide cover on the right flank.

A painful miss for Sarr

Sage acknowledged the emotional toll the failed transfer has taken on his player, describing it as a genuinely difficult moment for the forward to process.