Crystal Palace Face Sarr Injury and Mateta Contract Uncertainty
Crystal Palace face an unsettled period around two of their most important forwards, with Ismaila Sarr yet to play under Pierre Sage because of a groin injury and Jean-Philippe Mateta involved in a dispute over a contract extension.
Sarr, 28, enjoyed a prolific 2025-26 campaign, scoring 21 times in all competitions as Palace completed a remarkable season by adding the Conference League to their FA Cup and Community Shield successes. The Senegal winger, who had previously impressed at Watford before spending a season with Marseille, also scored at the 2026 World Cup.
His form prompted speculation over a major transfer to Liverpool. Sarr was reported to have wanted the move and, during the uncertainty, was said to have declined to train while awaiting Palace’s response to an offer. A deal did not materialise, however, and the player has since remained sidelined while working separately from the first-team group.
Former Palace striker Clinton Morrison believes the immediate priority should be Sarr’s recovery rather than another attempt to force an exit. Morrison said Palace’s position is that the winger is injured and not yet ready to return to full squad training, adding that disappointment over a failed transfer should not alter how a player handles the situation.
He pointed to Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze as examples of Palace players who had previously remained professional despite not securing desired moves straight away. Morrison’s view is that chairman Steve Parish would sanction a transfer when the terms and timing suit the club, but Palace could not risk selling their leading scorer late in a window without adequate protection for their Premier League position.
“The right answer is to get fit, contribute for Palace and show what he can do,” Morrison said. “If circumstances are right in January, then the opportunity may come again.”
Liverpool’s wide options could affect Sarr pursuit
Liverpool’s need for a right-sided attacker has not disappeared, but their summer business and existing depth could complicate any renewed interest in Sarr. The club remain interested in Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and had a £65 million offer rejected. They also signed Champions League winner Bradley Barcola for £123 million, brought in Spanish prospect Victor Munoz, kept Cody Gakpo and want to provide opportunities for 18-year-old Rio Ngumoha.
Morrison said Minteh had been Liverpool’s preferred target, while acknowledging why Sarr would be attracted by a switch to Anfield. Yet he warned that Liverpool could pursue another option, particularly a younger player, and that Sarr cannot simply wait for the club to revive its interest. Palace would benefit more, he argued, if the Senegal international returns fit and helps drive their season.
Mateta’s situation has added another unwanted storyline at Selhurst Park. The France international was close to joining AC Milan in January, but the transfer broke down following his medical. He has since challenged the validity of a 12-month extension triggered in his Palace contract.
Morrison, who knows Mateta well, described the situation as unusual and suggested the 29-year-old may be receiving poor advice. He nevertheless expects the striker to remain committed when he recovers from his current injury, with a return anticipated within one or two weeks.
Mateta demonstrated his value after the failed Milan move last season, returning to score in the Europa Conference League final. Since arriving at Palace in January 2021, he has registered 62 goals in 203 appearances. With both Mateta and Sarr at stages of their careers where another major move may appeal, Palace are likely to face further interest, but will not accept deals that leave them weakened or fall short of their valuation.
For now, Sage’s side will be waiting for two proven match-winners to regain fitness. Morrison believes both players can still make a significant contribution despite the frustration surrounding their respective situations.
