Watford star Ismaila Sarr has “asked to leave” Vicarage Road in the summer transfer window, as Liverpool remain in the market to sign the winger.
The 23-year-old caught the eye during Watford’s relegation campaign 2019/20, and he dazzled in the championship last year, leading his side back to the top flight at the first time to ask.
Sarr has excelled since moving to England / Charlie Crowhurst / Getty Images
Liverpool were interested in the forward this summer, and their desire to add the Senegal international to their front line has continued this year. According to transfermarketweb.com, the Reds are preparing a £ 40m bid for Sarr, and the Watford man has urged the club to accept the offer.
90min understands that Sarr wants to leave Vicarage Road this summer, although the reds are sold less on the idea of stubble up 40 million pounds. The Premier League giants were keen on a deal worth around £ 30m and could be prepared to reach £ 35m, but the Hornets would likely reject slightly less than the £ 40m required.
Watford are obviously reluctant to lose one of their best players in their first season back in the Premier League, but as Norwich City discovered with Emi Buendia, marketing is not always enough to deter stars from taking a quick step up.
Jurgen Klopp wants to strengthen his attacking options for the coming season, as his team is heavily dependent on the goals of the offensive trio Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. Diogo Jota added some firepower last summer, although the injury plagued his debut campaign at Anfield.
The Reds have seen enough of Sarr to believe he is the right man to compete for his current quartet, and his first performance at Watford’s return to the Premier League showed he is ready for the challenge.
The forward made an immediate impact on his return to the Premier League / Tony Marshall / Getty Images
The winger tore apart Aston Villa defender Matt Targett during their 3-2 victory at Vicarage Road, prompting Villa coach Dean Smith to replace the defender at half-time. Sarr continued to score the second goal of the game and delivered a masterclass in attacking wing play.
Liverpool know Sarr’s talents all too well, having done twice to end the Merseyside club’s unbeaten start to the season in a 3-0 drop by the Reds back in February 2020. He scored 13 goals and provided ten assists in the championship last year , as Watford finished the campaign in second place with an impressive 91 points.
