Crystal Palace forward Ismaïla Sarr will need time to come to terms with the collapse of his proposed move to Liverpool, head coach Pierre Sage has said.
The Senegal international was linked with a late transfer to Anfield during the final stages of the transfer window after an impressive campaign in which he finished as Palace’s top scorer.
However, the move failed to materialise, leaving the 28-year-old at Selhurst Park.
As reported by BBC Sport on Thursday, Sage acknowledged that the situation could be difficult for Sarr, given the opportunity to join one of the biggest clubs in European football.
“He has to digest for sure because it’s a dream for a lot of players to play with this kind of club,” Sage said.
“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.”
Sarr has yet to feature for Palace this season after suffering a groin injury. He missed their Premier League defeats against Everton and Manchester City and will remain unavailable for Saturday’s trip to Fulham.
Sage believes time will help Sarr move beyond the disappointment and refocus on his career at Palace.
“Like every bad situation, time does the job and we need time for that,” he added.
With uncertainty surrounding Sarr’s future, Palace also attempted to strengthen their attack on deadline day by pursuing Belgium forward Malick Fofana.
The 21-year-old ultimately decided to leave Lyon for Sunderland in a deal worth £30m.
“We gave our best,” Sage said of the negotiations. “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 will now turn their attention to Fulham, with both sides searching for their first Premier League points of the season after losing their opening two matches.
