Olympique Lyon’s President Jean-Michel Aulas spoke to Canal Football Club about his side’s reported interest in Crystal Palace star Mamadou Sakho.
L’Equipe claimed a few days ago that the former Liverpool man was in talks with the Ligue 1 giants over a move this summer.
Palace signed Sakho for £26 million (Guardian) from Liverpool three years ago and it did initially seem like it was money well spent.
However, three years down the line, his time at Selhurst Park seems to be coming to an end due to his fitness issues this season.
Sakho has played just eight times in the league this season. He will soon enter the final year of his contract and it makes little sense for the Eagles to offer him a new deal now.
Selling him to Lyon makes sense
Lyon are on the lookout for a new defender and their President certainly seems to be a fan of the Palace man. However, he has left the decision in the hands of his manager and his sporting director.
Aulas said: “See Juninho. I don’t know if the track is hot, but it’s up to him to say. I really like Mamadou (Sakho) because he has the right personality, now there are also other very high-level tracks, so it’s up to the coaches to choose”
Maxifoot have claimed that the Frenchman is valued at just £9 million, a whopping £17 million hit for the Eagles in just three years time.
Palace will, however, have to let him go this summer to avoid losing him for free at the end of next season. £9 million for a player now is much better than nothing in 12 months time, and a move is in the best interest of all parties involved.
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