Crystal Palace have made an interesting move in the transfer market by signing Senegalese winger Ismaila Sarr from Marseille. The 26-year-old, known for his speed and skill, is back in the Premier League after a three-year stint with Watford. Sarr, who was signed in a then-club record deal by the Hornets, would seem to have some unfinished business in the Premier League as he makes a return to the top-tier competition.
As at the time of writing, the Premier League returns in less than two weeks, and the electric surge of excitement has been increased by the pre-season games we have seen. Fans will be gearing up for what promises to be a blockbuster campaign. For the fans, purchasing Premier League tickets from an online resale store to watch their stars will be paramount.
A background on Ismaila Sarr
Ismaila Sarr was born on February 25, 1998, in Saint Louis, Senegal. He started his football journey in France, playing for Metz. It was not too long before his quality was recognized, and he moved to Rennes. At Rennes, Sarr quickly became a hot prospect, catching the attention of many big clubs.
In 2019, Sarr made the big move to the Premier League with Watford. During his time there, he played 50 matches, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists. One of his standout moments at the club came when he scored twice and assisted a goal in a match against Liverpool, ending the Reds' unbeaten run in the league. After his stint in England, Sarr joined Marseille in the summer of 2023, where he continued to impress, contributing to the team's run to the semi-finals of the Uefa Europa League.
Sarr has also been a key player for the Senegal national team, earning 64 caps and scoring 13 goals. His international experience and club performances make him a good addition to Crystal Palace.
Sarr is known for his speed, acceleration and agility, making him a nightmare for defenders. Standing at 6 ft 1 tall, he is also a good threat in the air, making him versatile in attack. He can play on either wing, which allows him to cut inside and shoot or provide crosses into the box.
His speed and ability to ease past opponents make him an excellent counter-attacking player. Sarr's lean frame and unpredictable movements often leave defenders guessing, giving him the edge in one-on-one situations. This unique skill set makes him a valuable asset for any team, especially one like Crystal Palace, which often relies on quick breaks to score goals.
Crystal Palace’s manager Glasner thinks he is the ideal signing
Crystal Palace have been looking to strengthen their squad after a challenging campaign last season. Sarr's arrival comes after the departure of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich earlier in the summer. Palace needed a replacement who could bring pace, creativity, and goals to the team. Sarr fits that description perfectly, at least according to the manager.
Crystal Palace's head coach, Oliver Glasner, has been experimenting with a 3-4-3 formation during pre pre-season. Sarr is likely to play as one of the two wide players, either on the left or right, alongside other attacking players like Eberechi Eze, Jean-Philipe Mateta and Daichi Kamada. However, earning a regular starting spot will not be easy, as competition for places will likely be fierce.
Upon joining Crystal Palace, Sarr expressed his excitement and determination to contribute to his new team. "It has been a few years since I first heard Crystal Palace were interested in me," Sarr said in an interview on the club's official website. "Unfortunately, I was not able to come then but now I’m here, and I am going to work hard for this family."
Sarr is the third signing for Crystal Palace this summer. The club has already brought in Chadi Riad and Daichi Kamada, looking to bolster the squad ahead of the new season. These additions show the club's intent to improve and aim for a better finish in the Premier League table.
The first test for the Senegalese winger, however, will come when the Premier League season starts. Crystal Palace's first match is against Brentford on August 18 at the Gtech Community Stadium. It will be interesting to see how Glasner sets up his team and whether Sarr will start the game.
He might not start right away though. While some managers might take the bold move to start their new signings right from the get-go, others may prefer to take a more cautious step, by starting the new signing from the bench. However, what Oliver Glasner plans to do is unclear as he needed a direct replacement for Micheal Olise, who has now departed the club for Bayern Munich.
Conclusion
Crystal Palace's signing of Ismaila Sarr is a significant move that could greatly impact their season. His speed, skill, and versatility make him a valuable addition to the squad. As the new season approaches, fans will be eager to see how Sarr fits into Oliver Glasner's plans and whether he can help the Eagles soar to new heights.
With a mix of young talent and experienced players, Crystal Palace has the potential to surprise many in the upcoming Premier League season. Sarr's arrival adds another exciting piece to the pudding, and it will be interesting to see how the Senegalese winger adds his contribution to the team's success. For now, all eyes will be on August 18, when Crystal Palace kicks off their league campaign against Brentford, and fans can watch the start of Ismaila Sarr's new path at Selhurst Park.
