Crystal Palace struck an agreement with Marseille to sign Ismaila Sarr last Thursday – the 25th of July.
Dougie Freedman agreed a £12.6m deal with the French giants for Sarr – who was expected to undergo a medical in London over the weekend ahead of an official announcement.
However, Crystal Palace are yet to announce the signing of the Senegal international as we embark on Tuesday 30th July – with many fans worrying about the deal collapsing.
Now, the reason behind the delay has been revealed…
Why Ismaila Sarr to Crystal Palace is on hold
Fabrizio Romano has now shared why Crystal Palace are yet to announce Sarr.
The reliable Italian journalist believes visa issues have caused a slight delay in the 26-year-old moving to Selhurst Park.
Romano wrote on X (previously known as Twitter): “No issues for Ismaila Sarr’s move to Crystal Palace, agreed since last week. Timing slower as he needed to get green light on visa but all set to be sorted this week, then time for medical. Sarr will join #CPFC from Olympique Marseille on €15/16m deal.”
While that is obviously a tad frustrating for Oliver Glasner – who presumably hoped to have the Senegalese forward signed before flying out to the United States – it is not really a disaster.
As Romano states, the visa situation should be sorted this week, and should all go well in the medical, Sarr will jet out to Maryland to meet his new teammates.
Who Dougie Freedman could sign after the Senegal international
There have already been whispers about who Crystal Palace could sign next, once Sarr’s arrival is confirmed.
A story from Expressen claims that Freedman could submit a bid for Bazoumana Toure, an 18-year-old wonderkid who is also wanted by German champions Bayer Leverkusen, and Glasner’s old side Eintracht Frankfurt.
The teenage winger certainly seems to be an exciting prospect, with Fotbollskanalen calling him “something special” in a feature on his ability.
READ MORE: Crystal Palace star now appears to have taken the No.5 shirt after James Tomkins departure
Be sure to keep an eye on developments at Selhurst Park, as more transfer activity is expected once Sarr arrives.
