AC Milan, Everton & Villarreal Poised for Summer Battle Over Crystal Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr

Having been recruited by Crystal Palace from Marseille in the summer of 2024 for a shrewd fee of €15 million, Ismaïla Sarr has effectively seen his market value skyrocket during his second season with the London side. 

His stellar return of 17 goal contributions in 32 appearances this season, coupled with his crucial goals in March that propelled Palace to the Conference League quarter-finals, has made the Senegalese winger one of the most talked-about names ahead of the summer transfer window.

Crystal Palace’s Strategy: Return on Investment or a New Move? 

There are "mixed emotions" at Crystal Palace regarding Sarr. 

Although head coach Oliver Glasner defines the player as "the league's most underrated yet phenomenal talent," the club's financial sustainability plans are leaving the door ajar for a departure. 

Palace's management are utilising Sarr’s long-term contract, which runs until 2029, as a protective shield. However, the club needs to balance the massive outlays made during the summer window for names like Jørgen Strand Larsen and Brennan Johnson. 

Sarr’s peaking market value, driven by a 93% "goals-per-minute" ratio, offers Palace an ideal opportunity for "capital realisation."

Valuation Expectations

For Sarr, whose current market value has reached the €35 million mark as of 2026, the Palace management is expected to open negotiations at the £55–£60 million level. 

This is justified by the player’s Premier League experience and the fact that he is entering his "prime" years.

Interested Clubs and Bid Preparations

Sarr’s pace and clinical finishing are particularly whetting the appetites of giants who favour a transition-based game. 

Here are the clubs preparing official scouting reports for the player:

The Italian giant has placed Sarr on its radar while seeking diversity in the attacking line. AC Milan is eager to bring Sarr’s Premier League pedigree to the San Siro. It is reported that Milan scouts observed the player in person during several matches in March and awarded him an "A-grade" rating.

Additionally, Sarr is viewed as the "ideal fit" for a system built on physical power and counter-attacking speed. It is rumored that Everton could make their first major move of the summer for Sarr with a package worth approximately €30 million.

Everton’s Senegalese star Iliman Ndiaye has also been linked with a major European move, with Liverpool and Manchester United among the clubs interested, making him a potential like-for-like replacement. 

Spanish side Villarreal also believe Sarr’s pace could dismantle La Liga defenses. Should they secure qualification for European competitions, Villarreal is expected to knock on Palace’s door with a bid that could be considered a "club record."

Contract Details and Financial Background

Sarr’s contract expires on June 30, 2029. The absence of any release clause allows Palace to play the role of a "resolute seller" at the bargaining table.

Currently earning approximately £3.6 million per year (£70,000 per week) at Crystal Palace, Sarr is expected to demand a "star player" salary in the £5–£6 million bracket at his next destination.

In the event of a sale, Palace plans to use the generated revenue to rejuvenate an aging defensive rotation and to fund the transfer of a "Number 10" who can elevate their Conference League success to Champions League levels.