Ismaila Sarr – Premier League Future Away From Watford?
With Watford doomed for relegation, there is one question on the lips of every Hornets fan – will Ismaila Sarr still be at Vicarage Road next season?
While Roy Hodgson refuses to be dragged into any transfer talk, the signs are ominous as Watford prepare for a Championship return.
Ismaila Sarr took the Premier League by storm in 2019/20 but was unable to keep Watford in the top flight.
He stuck around for another season and helped the Hornets bounce back at the first time of asking but it feels like a natural end.
Sarr is undoubtedly one of Watford’s most talented players and he is capable of playing for an established Premier League side.
If we assume that the Senegal winger is leaving this summer, where might he end up? Here, we look at five potential landing spots for Ismaila Sarr.
Newcastle United
Probably the most obvious fit for Ismaila Sarr is Newcastle United. Eddie Howe has been a huge hit during his early tenure at the club and it’s an exciting time to be a Newcastle fan.
With a bottomless pit of money at Howe’s disposal, we should expect the Magpies to invest heavily in the summer transfer window.
Sarr scored in Watford’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle earlier in the season and he certainly catches the eye whenever he’s on the field.
Newcastle are at the beginning of a long-term project and Sarr has the talent to thrive under a manager like Eddie Howe. Some might even call this move a no-brainer.
Imagine the scenes at St James’s Park with Allan Saint-Maximin on one wing and Sarr on the other. The Toon will be very exciting to watch next season if they acquire the Watford man…
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has set the foundations for success at Arsenal and a player like Ismaila Sarr can help to take the Gunners to the next level.
He would certainly suit Arsenal’s style of play and formation and he could easily develop into a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium.
While some fans may claim that Sarr isn’t good enough for Arsenal at this stage, that is an incredibly short-sighted view.
Sarr would enhance competition for places in the wider areas, keeping the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli hungry to secure a spot in the starting line-up.
Healthy competition is essential for any football squad but even more so for the teams who are looking to challenge for silverware. And that is what Arsenal should be aiming for.
While he might not be the world class striker that many Arsenal fans want, Sarr would be a welcome addition to an improving Gunners squad.
Leicester City
Imagine what Brendan Rodgers could do with Ismaila Sarr. One of the best managers in the Premier League at eking out improvement, Rodgers could be the ideal boss for the Senegalese to work under.
On paper, Sarr and Leicester look like a match made in heaven. Sarr would bring some much-needed width to the team and Leicester would be getting an exceptional young talent.
While Sarr himself may be dreaming of a move to Liverpool or Arsenal, Leicester might just be the most realistic landing spot of all.
Is the budget there? Will Leicester want Sarr? These are two questions that will need to be addressed in the coming months.
If transfer activity is rife, it will be a huge shock to see Leicester ignore Sarr completely. If he is available and for the right price, we could see the Foxes strike a deal.
Liverpool
While you could be forgiven for assuming that Liverpool have no need for Sarr, Jurgen Klopp recognises talent when he sees it and competition for places is important.
If Liverpool want to challenge for multiple trophies again next season, the Reds will need to recruit wisely and Sarr ticks all the right boxes to be a hit at Anfield.
One of the biggest and most successful clubs in world football, Liverpool is one of the most lucrative landing spots for any professional footballer.
However, it isn’t just about money in this case. The chance to play for this Liverpool team and under this Liverpool manager is a major attraction in itself.
Unfortunately for the Senegal winger, a move probably isn’t on the cards. But if compatriot Sadio Mane has a word in Klopp’s ear, who knows…
Manchester United
We’ll see plenty of summer departures from Old Trafford and Sarr could be one of the players heading in the opposite direction.
Sarr missed a penalty against United earlier this season but got his name on the scoresheet in the 4-1 victory over the Red Devils.
With reports suggesting that Marcus Rashford is unhappy and Paul Pogba already heading for the exit, United are desperate for quality in key areas of the pitch.
He isn’t your typical ‘big name’ signing but he might be exactly what United need at this moment in time.
Ten Hag is going to want to build his squad to suit and Sarr, a hard worker in and out of possession, could be the perfect fit at Old Trafford.
Don’t dismiss this transfer completely just yet. Like Newcastle, United are likely to be active in the summer window and the Senegal winger is a proven Premier League talent.
