Watford are reportedly demanding a substantial fee for their young, star winger Ismaila Sarr, who is being tracked by Premier League champions, Liverpool. Sarr was one of the Hornets’ top players in their 2019-20 campaign, which saw them get relegated from the Premier League.
As per the Evening Standard, several clubs are interested in signing Ismaila Sarr, including Liverpool. Watford are reportedly demanding a fee of around £40 million for Sarr. The likes of Wolves and Crystal Palace, along with several clubs in Spain and Germany are interested in signing Sarr. The Reds are reportedly the “frontrunners” to land the 22-year-old winger.
Ismaila Sarr was signed by Watford from Rennes for a fee of around £30 million. The Senegalese international has four years remaining on his Watford contract but is not expected to stay on at Watford post their relegation.
Ismaila Sarr: Should Liverpool cough up the fee?
Ismaila Sarr was one of Watford’s best players in the 2019-20 season as the 22-year-old quickly settled into the Premier League after his move from France last summer. The right-winger racked up 6 goals and 6 assists in 30 appearances in all competitions for Watford. He impressed in Watford’s 3-0 win against Liverpool, scoring two goals and registering an assist, putting on a scintillating display.
That performance against the then to-be champions could have piqued Jurgen Klopp’s interest in the Senegal international. Ismaila Sarr is a tall, quick and strong winger, who likes taking on defences, beating them with his pace and dribbling ability. The Watford winger is a very talented player who has tremendous potential and could go on to become a star in the Premier League.
Primarily a right-winger, Sarr is capable of playing as a No. 10, or even as a striker. He is a direct player who could be a good option for Klopp who relies on his pacy attackers to take advantage of the long-ball accuracy of players like Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool do not have too many quality options on the right-wing apart from Salah, with Xherdan Shaqiri and youngster Harry Wilson being the only other options.
A more physical player in the final third could also be a requirement for Klopp next season, given most teams will now know what to expect from the Reds. Sarr, with his pace along with a slightly more physical presence, could be a smart alternative for the likes of Salah and Mane.
Despite the huge fee of around £40 million that Watford are demanding, the Reds should make a move for the Senegalese winger. This will not be a textbook signing but something which could surprise their immediate rivals in the league and work as a more effective Plan B than what the likes of Origi and Shaqiri currently provide.
With loads of talent and age on his side, Sarr could go on to become a huge player for Liverpool.
