Crystal Palace have rejected Liverpool’s first bid for winger Ismaïla Sarr as the summer transfer window enters its final 48 hours. Meanwhile, Manchester City are ramping up their pursuit of Cody Gakpo and Enzo Fernández, and Moroccan international Neil El Aynaoui is reportedly closing in on a move to RB Leipzig, according to reports from RMC Sport on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Why did Crystal Palace turn down Liverpool’s offer for Sarr?
Palace’s rejection signals that the Eagles believe Liverpool’s proposal fell short of the valuation they have placed on the Senegalese forward. Sarr has emerged as a target for the Reds as they look to bolster their attacking options before the deadline, but Palace appear determined to hold out for a higher fee or additional terms before sanctioning a sale.
The move remains unresolved, with talks expected to continue as the deadline approaches, sources close to the negotiations indicated.
What is Manchester City’s plan for Gakpo and Fernández?
City are pushing hard on two fronts as they seek to strengthen both their midfield and forward line before the window shuts. The club is intensifying discussions aimed at bringing in Cody Gakpo, who has been a key attacking figure, alongside a parallel effort to finalize a deal for Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández. Both pursuits reflect City’s ambition to add proven quality in the closing stages of the mercato, though neither deal has yet been confirmed as complete.
Is Neil El Aynaoui set to join RB Leipzig?
Yes, the Moroccan international appears to have reached an agreement with the Bundesliga club. El Aynaoui, who had previously been linked with a move involving AS Roma, is now understood to have struck terms with Leipzig, suggesting his transfer could be one of the first deals to be finalized among those still in motion this weekend.
With the window closing in just two days, all eyes remain on whether Liverpool will return with an improved offer for Sarr, and whether City can complete their double pursuit of Gakpo and Fernández before the deadline passes.
