Ismaila Sarr: Crystal Palace sign ex-Watford winger from Marseille

Crystal Palace have signed winger Ismaila Sarr from Marseille for a fee in the region of £12.5m.

The 26-year-old has joined on a five-year contract.

“Thanks to the coach and the sporting director – they told me about their project, and I accepted because it is a good project,” said Sarr.

“I am going to work hard on the pitch and off the pitch for the team and for the fans as well.”

Sarr joined Marseille from Watford in July last year for an undisclosed fee.

The forward scored 34 goals in 131 appearances during his time at Watford and registered five goals and six assists in all competitions for Marseille last season.

Sarr, who has 13 goals in 64 caps for Senegal, won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 and has featured in two World Cups.

“We’re happy that Ismaila has decided to join Crystal Palace because he knows the Premier League when he played at Watford, he knows living in England, and he also had many games with Marseille last season,” said Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.

“In every year, in every club where he was, he’s showed that he can score goals. He showed it as well in the national team for Senegal, so we are really pleased that he will join our group.”

Palace have been searching for a replacement for Michael Olise since the Frenchman joined Bayern Munich.

The club, who received £50m from Olise’s departure, have made three summer signings so far.

In addition to Sarr, Daichi Kamada, a 27-year-old Japanese midfielder, has joined from Lazio on a free transfer while Chadi Riad, who has three caps for Morocco, has joined in a £14m deal from Real Betis.