Ismaïla Sarr has enjoyed a remarkable season with Crystal Palace, culminating in a Player of the Tournament award as the club secured its first ever European title in the UEFA Conference League. The Senegalese winger scored nine goals in thirteen matches during the competition, playing a pivotal role in Palace’s triumph over Rayo Vallecano, a team featuring compatriots Pathé Ciss and Nobel Mendy. Sarr follows Nicolas Jackson, who won the same competition with Chelsea last season, as a Senegalese winner of the Conference League.
Sarr’s resurgence with Palace is a stark contrast to his previous spell at Olympique de Marseille, where he struggled to make a significant impact. This form has reportedly attracted attention from major clubs, with Sky Sports reporting Manchester United as potential suitors, potentially valuing the player around £50 million this summer. The winger’s success underlines the argument that players are not necessarily ‘bad’, but rather may be mismatched to their environment.
Sarr initially joined Watford in 2019 from Rennes, becoming a key player for the Hornets in the Premier League. He experienced both promotion and relegation with the club before moving to Marseille in 2023. However, his time at the French club was largely unsuccessful, leading to a transfer to Crystal Palace where he has rediscovered his form under manager Oliver Glasner.
Crystal Palace’s Conference League win guarantees them a place in the Europa League next season, a significant step forward for the club. Should Sarr depart for Manchester United, it would leave a considerable void in Palace’s attack, but also provide funds for further investment. For United, Sarr would offer pace and directness on the wing, qualities the team has often lacked.
