Pierre Sage says Ismaïla Sarr has to process the collapse of his Liverpool move before Crystal Palace can expect him back at full sharpness. The 28-year-old has yet to feature for Palace this season, and he will miss Saturday's trip to Fulham in the Fulham vs Crystal Palace fixture.
Sage's message on patience
Speaking to the BBC, Sage said: "He has to digest for sure because it's a dream for a lot of players to play with this kind of club (Liverpool)." He added: "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."
That is the line Palace are taking for now. Sage also said: "Like every bad situation, time does the job and we need time for that."
Sarr's output explains why Palace want him settled quickly. He has 4 goals in 4 appearances this season, and his latest five tracked games carry a 7.6 average rating when he has been available.
Palace's short-term problem
The injury side of this is just as awkward for Palace. Sarr missed Premier League defeats at Everton and at home to Manchester City with a groin injury, and he will remain sidelined for the Fulham trip at 15:00 BST.
Palace also lost last season's top scorer for the opening weeks, which leaves Sage with a hole in a side that finished 15th in the 2025-26 season. Deadline day added to the uncertainty, with Palace in talks with Belgium forward Malick Fofana before he chose Sunderland in a deal worth £30m.
The immediate fact is simple: Palace head to Fulham on Saturday without Sarr, and Sage is asking for time before the frustration around Liverpool fully clears.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
