Here’s a look at everything you need to know about Ismaila Sarr, the versatile forward at Crystal Palace.
The summer transfer window of 2024 was a busy one for Crystal Palace, with plenty of early incomings and outgoings in the squad.
Oliver Glasner secured the signings of Chadi Riad and Daichi Kamada as the Crystal Palace boss looked to strengthen his ranks.
However, with Michael Olise joining Bayern Munich, the forward line was missing at least one star player for the season ahead.
Step forward Ismaila Sarr, who made the switch to Selhurst Park in the summer of 2024.
So, with that deal now done, here’s a look at everything you need to know about Crystal Palace star Ismaila Sarr.
- READ MORE: Crystal Palace confirmed signings, transfer ins and outs, loans and releases for 2024 summer window
Ismaila Sarr age and height
Ismaila Sarr was born on February 25th, 1998, which makes him 26 years old at the time of writing and nearing the expected peak of his career.
When it comes to height, he is approximately 1.85 metres – or six foot and one inch – which makes him relatively tall.
What position does Sarr play?
Sarr played predominantly as a winger for Olympique Marseille and Watford, but with his versatility, he is capable of playing a multitude of positions.
In his career, the Senegalese international has played on both the left and right flank as well as at centre-forward.
Ismaila Sarr pace
One standout characteristic of Sarr’s play is his immense pace, something that is useful when playing in the wide areas.
In the 2022 World Cup group stages, the 26-year-old was clocked as the seventh-fastest player with a top speed of 21.93 km/h.
That made him faster than Kylian Mbappe, who is renowned for his running speed.
What is Ismaila Sarr’s playing style?
Sarr is a right-footed forward who can play on either flank or at centre-forward but has predominantly featured on the right flank.
The Palace star is comfortable dribbling with the ball while creating a goal threat either from range or in close proximity to the net.
In transition phases, Sarr’s immense pace puts defenders on the back foot, while he is more than capable of crossing from wide areas.
Ismaila Sarr career path
At just 26 years old, Sarr already has experience at several different clubs to draw from, which may help in his development.
In the youth ranks, he came through at Senegalese side Generation Foot before he moved to FC Metz in France in 2016.
Just one year later he moved to Rennes, where he caught the eye of Watford in 2019 and secured a switch to England.
Sarr spent four years with the Hornets, impressing in the Premier League and Championship before joining Olympique Marseille in 2023.
