Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho joined Crystal Palace on loan in January 2017.
Crystal Palace’s Mamadou Sakho arrives before the game
After falling out of favour under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, the future of French defender Mamadou Sakho seemed unclear. Despite being popular amongst Liverpool supporters, and a decent defender on the ball, Klopp didn’t see a place for Sakho in the side, and in January many expected to see him leave the club permanently, perhaps abroad.
However, the Frenchman turned up at Crystal Palace, joining on a loan-deal until the end of the season. Since arriving at Selhurst Park, the central-defender has done an excellent job of revitalising his career as part of a defensively solid Sam Allardyce side.
And now a report in The Independent has suggested that Crystal Palace will attempt to sign the Liverpool defender on a permanent deal in the summer after a string of impressive displays.
Former England manager Sam Allardyce is said to be keen to add Sakho to his dressing room on a more permanent basis, but there are fears that the Frenchman’s good performances might now have stumped up the price for the defender.
Crystal Palace’s Mamadou Sakho in action
Speaking in his post-match interview, via The Independent, Allardyce acknowledged the battle they may face to sign Sakho in the summer, but insisted that it is not the club’s top priority:
“Securing our Premier League status is our priority, and then we’ll see what Mamadou’s aspirations are, to be with us or anywhere else.
“His future doesn’t look as if it is at Liverpool. He’s enjoying his football and his life here. He’s brought that resilience to the team by leading by example.
“He’s taking a commanding role in his performance and the information he’s giving out on the field. That has helped with our defensive resilience: one goal conceded in four games.”
Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce
And with the report suggesting that interest is high from Southampton as well as a number of Italian clubs, Allardyce’s task to bring Sakho in might well be a tricky one. However, for now the Frenchman is a Crystal Palace defender, and one that is contributing massively to the Eagles task of securing their Premier League future. That, as Allardyce alludes, has to be the priority above the signing of any player, no matter how good they may be!
Crystal Palace’s Yohan Cabaye celebrates with Christian Benteke and Mamadou Sakho after Watford’s Troy Deeney scores an own goal and the first for Crystal Palace
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
