Palace latest: Sage expects Sarr's return to training on Monday

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Ismaila Sarr will need time to process his proposed move to Liverpool collapsing, says Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage.

Ismaila Sarr will need time to process his proposed move to Liverpool collapsing, says Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage.

The Senegal forward, who was Palace’s top scorer last term, seemed to be closing in on a move to Anfield in the final days of the transfer window but ended up staying at Selhurst Park.

“He has to digest for sure because it’s a dream for a lot of players to play with this kind of club [Liverpool],” Sage said ahead of Palace’s weekend trip to Fulham.

> “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.”

On missing out on winger target Malick Fofana, who ended up joining Sunderland on Deadline Day, Sage said: “We gave our best. 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.”

Palace travel to Fulham on Saturday with both sides still seeking their first Premier League point after two games.

‘Positive window for Palace despite departures’

Sky Sports News' Chris Reidy: WINDOW RATING: 7/10 With Maxence Lacroix and Daniel Munoz gone, there is no doubt that Crystal Palace lost two of their best players this summer.

But Palace will see holding on to Adam Wharton, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr as a big win.

Mateta got over transfer heartbreak last January when a move to AC Milan fell through and he may need to coach his team-mate Sarr through the next few months after Liverpool's efforts to sign him didn't come off.

Mateta himself is in the last year of his contract, but are we just four months away from another window where his future is up for speculation?

Sarr's performances from now until January will determine whether Palace's strong stance on him staying was correct.

Palace, as is the norm, have had to be clever in the market. Their signings have been sensible rather than sensational.

Axel Disasi, Dwight McNeil, Ben Chilwell and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all very capable Premier League players.

Dario Osorio could be the gem. The 22-year-old comes highly rated and Palace have a habit of unearthing big talents. Honest Ahanor is young but is a good addition at the back.

Time will tell, but Anan Khalaili looks like he has the potential to eventually fill Daniel Munoz's shoes.

Overall, Palace finished the window with better depth than they started, which is crucial for another season with European football.

They've become experts at losing big players and dealing with it. Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi have left and Palace have not just survived but thrived.

Palace will be an interesting story. You can't say their business this summer guarantees success. But a late flurry of deals, matched with early considered signings, makes one feel they'll be satisfied with the window.

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