Crystal Palace manager: Sarr needs time to process failed Liverpool transfer

Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage said Ismaila Sarr needs time to process the fact that his potential move to Liverpool ultimately fell through.

The Senegalese forward was Crystal Palace's top scorer last season and came close to joining Anfield in the final days of the transfer window, but he eventually stayed at Selhurst Park.

Before Crystal Palace's away match against Fulham on the weekend, Sage said: "He definitely needs to process it, because playing for a club like Liverpool is a dream for many players."

"He had a great opportunity, but in the end it did not happen."

"If he wants to keep moving forward, he has to have an excellent season here like he did last season. We know he needs time."

"Like every difficult situation, time will solve the problem, and we also need time."

ESPN learned from sources that Liverpool had been prepared to allow Gakpo to leave if they could find a suitable replacement.

Liverpool had made contact with Sarr and Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, but were unable to reach agreements with either club over transfer fees.

As a result, Liverpool rejected Manchester City's £80 million ($108 million) offer for Gakpo on Monday, according to sources.

The Reds eventually signed Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for £106 million ($144 million) plus up to £17 million ($23 million) in add-ons.

Speaking about missing out on Malik Fofana, who eventually joined Sunderland, Sage said: "We gave it our all. In the end, the player chose his own criteria. I wish him and them all the best, because he is a very good person and a very good player."