Liverpool are reportedly set to make an attempt to sign Ismaila Sarr from Championship outfit Watford in the January transfer window.
According to a report by Football Insider, Liverpool are lining up a January move for Ismaila Sarr. The Reds are laying the groundwork for a possible winter acquisition of the Watford star, with the Championship club’s current £40 million asking price being deemed restrictive by the Reds.
Sarr joined Watford last summer in a big-money deal from Rennes and went on to enjoy a decent campaign in the Premier League in the 2019/20 season. Watford went down to the Championship after a dismal campaign, but Sarr still managed to make an impression.
In 30 appearances across all competitions, the Senegalese international had a return of 6 goals and as many assists. But, following the Hornets’ relegation, it seems like Sarr could join Abdoulaye Doucoure in leaving the club this summer. And, the 22-year-old has an admirer in Premier League champions Liverpool.
One of Sarr’s most notable performances last season came against Liverpool, as Watford handed the Reds their first defeat of the season earlier this year. And, the Merseyside club’s interest in the player makes sense as well.
As things stand, Jurgen Klopp has little in terms of quality beyond the first-choice trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Divock Origi has often stepped up in critical situations in recent seasons, but the Belgian’s future at Liverpool is uncertain.
Takumi Minamino, meanwhile, has been slow to settle in at Anfield while Xherdan Shaqiri is coming off an injury-riddled season. There have also been the odd rumours linking Mane with a shock summer exit from Liverpool, although he is expected to stay put.
Liverpool, though, certainly need to beef up their attack, which is why Sarr appears to be a viable target. However, the reigning Premier League champions have been put off by the £40 million price tag that Watford have slapped on the 22-year-old.
With finances hit due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Liverpool have been hesitant to loosen their purse strings this summer; and, the £40 million valuation indeed seems to be rather prohibitive for the Merseyside giants. As a result, they are now laying down the groundwork to sign Sarr in the January transfer window.
What will be interesting to see, though, is whether the Championship outfit slash the asking price in the winter. For now, it seems like Liverpool will stop short of making a move for Sarr this summer, with a January bid instead appearing to be likely for the 22-year-old.
