Sarr needs time to digest collapsed Liverpool move

Pierre Sage believes Ismaila Sarr needs time to move past the collapse of his potential move from Crystal Palace to Liverpool.

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Sarr was linked with a late move to Liverpool in the transfer window but ultimately ended up staying at Selhurst Park.

The Senegal international was Palace's top scorer in all competitions last term, netting 21 goals as well as helping them lift the FA Community Shield and UEFA Conference League trophies.

Sarr has yet to feature for Palace in the Premier League this season, missing the defeats to Everton and Manchester City because of a groin injury.

He is also expected to miss this weekend's trip to Fulham.

Sage says there is also a mental hurdle for him to come after he missed the chance to move to Anfield.

"He has to digest [it] 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."

Reports suggest a move did not materialise for Sarr as Liverpool opted to keep Cody Gakpo, turning down an offer from Manchester City for the Dutchman.

Palace also had a deal of its own fall through on deadline day, with Malick Fofana choosing to join Sunderland over the Eagles.

"We gave our best," Sage said of those 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."

On the pitch, Sage's attention is on Palace's upcoming clash with Fulham, with both teams aiming to secure their first Premier League win of the season.

The Eagles are also looking to avoid losing their opening three Premier League matches of a campaign for the first time since 2017-2018.

"Football has no memory of what happened before, it can always be a challenge, there's a lot of new players and coaches on both sides," Sage said of Fulham.

"I'm really happy to play against them because we need a reference game for the moment."