Report: Crystal Palace ‘Pushing’ to Sign Former Premier League Forward | OneFootball

Crystal Palace’s Fresh Pursuit of Ismaila Sarr: A Strategic Move

Relaunching Interest in Ismaila Sarr

Crystal Palace’s intent to boost their attacking options has been made evident with their renewed interest in Ismaila Sarr, a name long associated with the club’s transfer ambitions. Having initially missed out on securing Sarr’s signature in 2019 when he opted for Watford, the Eagles are back in the hunt and pushing to capitalise on a potential reshuffle at Marseille. Simon Collings from The Evening Standard highlights this resurgence of interest, noting how Crystal Palace’s pursuit reflects their strategic response to recent squad changes.

The Impact of Recent Transfers

The departure of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich for an estimated £50 million has left a significant void in Palace’s squad, necessitating an aggressive recruitment strategy. Sarr, known for his pace and skill on the wing, emerges as a prime candidate to fill this gap. This interest aligns with the club’s broader vision under sporting director Dougie Freedman, who has demonstrated a commitment to strengthening the team despite external interest in his services, notably from Newcastle.

Photo IMAGO

Marseille’s current transition under new management, with signings like Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, positions them in a state of flux where assets like Sarr might be considered expendable to fund other ventures, including a potential move for Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah.

Expanding the Squad Beyond Sarr

Dougie Freedman’s efforts extend beyond just one player. Crystal Palace has already made moves in the market with the signings of defender Chadi Riad and midfielder Daichi Kamada. Additionally, there is an ongoing interest in Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe, who has struggled for playing time, highlighting Palace’s ambition to reinforce not just the wings but the creative heart of the squad.

Facing Competition and Future Prospects

The chase for talent like Smith Rowe isn’t without competition, as Fulham is also expressing interest. Such challenges underscore the competitive nature of the transfer market and the need for Crystal Palace to act decisively. This summer promises to be a critical period for Freedman and his team as they aim to build a squad capable of competing at higher levels in the Premier League.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Ismaila Sarr’s Performance Metrics

Unpacking Ismaila Sarr’s Attacking Prowess

Ismaila Sarr’s detailed performance stats, as visualized in a comprehensive chart by Fbref, provide a deep dive into his capabilities and output over the last year. Particularly striking is his high percentile ranking in non-penalty goals and expected non-penalty goals (xG), where he scores 58 and 73 respectively. These numbers not only underscore his effectiveness in front of goal but also highlight his ability to consistently get into scoring positions—a crucial attribute for any top winger.

Sarr’s Impact on Possession and Playmaking

While his goal-scoring prowess stands out, Sarr also shows competence in other facets of play. His ability to assist and create goal-scoring opportunities is evidenced by his decent performance in shot-creating actions, ranked at the 53rd percentile. Additionally, his metrics in progressive passes and carries, which sit in the 39th and 50th percentiles respectively, suggest a balanced approach to advancing the play and distributing the ball, essential for a winger tasked with breaking down defences.

Defensive Contributions and Overall Work Rate

It’s not just in attack where Sarr shows his quality. His work rate is reflected in the defensive stats, particularly in his percentile rank for blocks and clearances, which are at 75 and 87 respectively. These figures highlight his willingness to contribute defensively, an often overlooked yet vital aspect of modern wing play.

Overall, Ismaila Sarr’s performance data from the last 365 days positions him as a versatile and effective winger capable of influencing the game in multiple areas. His blend of attacking flair and defensive diligence makes him a valuable asset to any team, underscoring why Crystal Palace’s interest in him could pay significant dividends should a transfer materialise.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Crystal Palace supporters, the prospect of Ismaila Sarr joining the squad brings a wave of excitement and a beacon of hope. Losing Michael Olise was a blow, undoubtedly, but the potential arrival of Sarr could be a silver lining. His proven Premier League experience and ability to change games with his speed and dribbling could inject the much-needed dynamism into their attack.

Furthermore, the broader recruitment strategy looks promising. The addition of Chadi Riad and Daichi Kamada shows a balanced approach to squad building, focusing not only on immediate needs but also on long-term stability. The interest in Emile Smith Rowe, despite the competition, signifies an ambition to enhance their creative midfield options, something that has been a limitation in past seasons.

For fans, these movements in the transfer market signal a commitment from the club’s management to progress, not just participate, in the league. The hope is that these potential signings translate into a more competitive Crystal Palace, one that can perhaps aim for more than just survival in the Premier League. Sarr’s arrival would not only fill the void left by Olise but could also pave the way for a more exciting brand of football at Selhurst Park.