Crystal Palace’s Director of Football, Dougie Freedman, has encountered setbacks in his pursuit of Michael Olise’s replacement but appears to be gaining ground. Initially thwarted in bids for Marcus Edwards and Emile Smith Rowe, the club has now made strides towards securing Ismaila Sarr.

According to a report from The Athletic, Crystal Palace has reached an agreement on personal terms with Sarr. The Senegalese winger has been on the Eagles’ radar since 2018 and made a notable £30m move from Rennes to Watford in August 2019. Freedman is now on the brink of clinching the services of the rapid forward, pending negotiations with Marseille for the transfer fee.

Negotiations between Crystal Palace and Marseille are ongoing, with disparities in valuation reportedly yet to be bridged. Marseille acquired Sarr from Watford for £15m in 2023 and offered him a contract worth £64,000 per week. Known for his exceptional speed, Sarr outpaced the likes of Kylian Mbappe at the 2022 World Cup, where he clocked a staggering 21.93mph, ranking as the tournament’s seventh fastest player.

His electrifying pace aligns well with manager Oliver Glasner’s direct style of play. Sarr’s ability to stretch defenses down the wings could prove pivotal for creating scoring opportunities, complementing the strategic playmaking abilities of defenders like Joachim Andersen. Additionally, his threat could potentially create space for creative talents such as Ebere Eze and Daichi Kamada.

As negotiations progress, Crystal Palace remains optimistic about securing Sarr’s signature, marking a significant step forward in their summer transfer plans under Freedman’s stewardship.