Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr was a notable absentee from the matchday squad as new head coach Pierre Sage took charge of his first Premier League fixture at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on the opening weekend of the season.
The Senegal international's omission raised eyebrows given his importance to the Eagles' recent success, but the situation appears to be more about fitness than any looming transfer exit. According to BBC Sport, Sarr has been struggling with a groin issue and was unable to train in the two days before the trip to Merseyside.
The timing of his absence has fuelled speculation, however, as Galatasaray are reportedly eager to sign the 28-year-old before the Turkish transfer window shuts next month. Reports from Turkish media suggest the Istanbul giants have lodged an offer in the region of £30million for the former Watford man, with suggestions that Sarr himself may be keen to push through a move to Turkey.
Despite the interest, Palace's stance remains firm. BBC Sport indicates the club has no intention of selling their prized winger and that only an exceptional bid would prompt them to reconsider. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Everton fixture, Sage addressed the speculation directly and made clear that Sarr's future lies at Selhurst Park for now.
"We will keep him, we will keep him," Sage said. "He's a really important player for the club and for us. He will be able to play this weekend."
That final comment suggests Sarr's absence from the squad against Everton was precautionary rather than a sign of an imminent departure, with the winger expected to be involved again shortly once his groin problem clears up.
Sarr has developed into one of Palace's most influential attacking figures since arriving from Marseille in a £12.5million transfer during the summer of 2024. Since then, he has racked up an impressive record of 33 goals and 10 assists in 92 appearances across all competitions for the south London club.
His form was particularly outstanding last season, when he scored 21 goals in 45 matches as Palace enjoyed a memorable campaign under then-manager Oliver Glasner. That included lifting the FA Cup, as well as securing both the Community Shield and the UEFA Conference League title — a remarkable haul that underlined Sarr's growing stature as one of the Premier League's most productive wide players.
With Glasner having since departed, Sage now inherits a squad brimming with quality, and retaining a player of Sarr's calibre will be viewed as crucial to sustaining the club's momentum following such a successful period. The Frenchman's insistence that Palace have no intention of sanctioning a sale suggests the club are prepared to resist any advances from Galatasaray, even as the Turkish window remains open for a few more weeks.
For now, attention turns to Sarr's recovery from his groin complaint, with Palace hopeful he will be available soon to add his attacking threat to Sage's first full campaign in charge. Whether Galatasaray return with an improved offer before their window closes remains to be seen, but based on the manager's comments, any deal would need to be substantial to change Palace's current position.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (football).