Ismaila Sarr sparks rumours of a switch to Anfield

Watford's Ismaila Sarr has waxed lyrical about Liverpool as rumours of a switch to Anfield have gathered pace in recent weeks.

The 22-year-old has been strongly linked to a move to Anfield after suffering relegation with Watford this year.

He shone in the Hornet's shock 3-0 win over the Reds in February, scoring twice and assisting another.

In an interview with Senegalese outlet Sans Limites, via the Evening Standard, Sarr claimed: “Liverpool are a really great team, everyone would love to play there.

“They won the Premier League this year and the Champions League last year. But there are other great teams in the English league.

“Frankly, I have yet to make a choice. If I am to leave, I just hope it is for a good team. At the moment, it is just guesswork.”

The Evening Standard also claimed that his club will demand a fee of £40 million to let the winger leave this summer.

He did add that he could stay at Watford and play Championship football, saying: “If Watford want me to stay, I’ll play in the Championship. A departure depends on them as well as me. This is normal.”

However, this seems an unlikely possibility, as he is simply too good to spend a season in the second tier.

Even if Liverpool do not sign him, someone else surely will.

Will Sarr sign for Liverpool?

Liverpool do have a much-spoken-about need for front three cover.

Takumi Minamino is a fine cover for Roberto Firmino in the false 9 role, while Divock Origi is a decent sub to bring on.

But Origi is not good enough to be the first-choice if Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane cannot play. There needs to be someone there who can really challenge for first-team football and put pressure on the African duo to perform, while maintaining their style of play.

Timo Werner would have been the man had the coronavirus pandemic not affected Liverpool's finances so greatly. He has now moved to Chelsea.

The team need a young, quick winger that can come on late in games to keep pressure on the opposing backline.

They would also start a large number of matches in the cups and when Salah and Mane need a rest in the league and Champions League.

Ideally, they would have the potential to become world-class so that they can replace one of the current wing duo when they eventually leave the club.

Ismaila Sarr seems to tick every box.

He was quality for Rennes in Ligue 1, encouraging Watford to spent £30 million on him last summer.

He has been their star man ever since he settled into the side in November. The pacy wideman scored five times and got four assists in 22 league starts.

He already has 22 caps for Senegal, having made his debut at 18.

Much like Thiago Alcantara, the player would clearly love to sign for the club.

Yes, it may cost £40 million to get him out of Vicarage Road. If it is impossible to get him for less, then Liverpool will probably be out of the running.

But if Michael Edwards and co. can negotiate a cheaper deal, then signing Ismaila Sarr is a no-brainer.