Crystal Palace have signed Senegal winger Ismaila Sarr from Marseille on a five-year deal.
The 26-year-old returns to the Premier League after a three-year stint at Watford between 2019 and 2022, playing two seasons in the top flight.
Ready to get going 😍#CPFC
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 1, 2024
What did he have to say?
"It has been a few years since I first heard Crystal Palace were interested in me," Sarr told the official club website.
"Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to come then – but now I’m here, and I’m going to work hard for this family.
"I’ve seen that Palace is a family. Cheikhou [Kouyate] used to tell me often about Palace: 'it’s a family, it’s a family' – and now I’m part of that."
Who is Ismaila Sarr?
The winger was born on 25 February 1998 in Saint-Louis, Senegal, but his footballing journey began in France, where he played for Metz.
After impressing there, Sarr made the switch to Rennes, quickly becoming a hot prospect.
In a breakout season, he scored eight goals and supplied seven assists, earning him a move to the Premier League with Watford in 2019.
Sarr left for Marseille in July 2023, and contributed to the French side's run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League last season.
He has played 64 times for Senegal, scoring 13 goals.
What type of player is he?
Sarr's quick speed and awkward frame make it difficult for defenders to stop his runs, both with and without the ball. Standing at 6ft 1in tall, his height also makes him a threat from crosses and gives him a physical edge.
He is no stranger to the Premier League, having made 50 appearances in the competition, scoring 10 goals and six assists for Watford between 2019 and 2022.
It was a memorable debut season at Vicarage Road for Sarr, particularly at home to Liverpool when he scored twice and assisted Troy Deeney’s goal to end the Reds' unbeaten run.
How will he fit in at Crystal Palace?
Sarr is likely to be a replacement for Michael Olise, who joined Bayern Munich earlier this summer, but earning a regular starting spot may not be easy. Oliver Glasner has been playing a 3-4-3 formation in pre-season, limiting the number of attacking options on the pitch.
Daichi Kamada, Eberechi Eze and Jesuran Rak-Sakyi will all be battling Sarr for the two wide positions either side of Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Crystal Palace's 2024/25 transfer activity
Sarr becomes Glasner’s third signing of the summer after the acquisitions of Chadi Riad and Daichi Kamada.
See: Summer 2024 transfers & news
When will Sarr make his debut?
The Eagles are next in pre-season action against West Ham United in Florida on 3 August. They begin their Premier League campaign at Brentford on 18 August.
