The Crystal Palace midfielder is struggling for game-time at Selhurst Park. Should Derby County and Birmingham City consider fresh bids this summer?
Southampton’s Oriol Romeu in action with Crystal Palace’s Bakary Sako
Since joining Crystal Palace from Wolverhampton Wanderers back in 2015, Mali international Bakary Sako has struggled to properly cement a place in the Eagles side. After becoming something of a cult hero at Molineux, scoring 38 goals from the wing in 124 appearances, many expected Sako to be a hit in the Premier League.
But after struggling with injuries, the Malian is now struggling even more for regular first team football, and could well be tempted by a move away from Selhurst Park in the summer. But which teams could and should consider a bid?
Back in January, it was reported by the Daily Mail that Derby County were interested in signing the Malian winger, as the club looked to strengthen a left-hand side that hasn’t been the source of too many goals this season. Tom Ince, who plays on the right wing for Derby County, has been firing from all cylinders, but the Rams’ left wingers such as Johnny Russell and Abdoul Camara have not been in such fine form.
With the Rams keen to push for promotion next season under new boss Gary Rowett, might Derby County be tempted to pursue Sako again? A goalscoring midfielder like the Malian could be just what the Rams have been missing, and he would also offer the side more options from set pieces. However, Rowett is known to like constant runners down the flanks in his sides, and seeing as Sako is a bit more static, this may figure against any potential deal.
Derby County manager Gary Rowett
The Birmingham Mail also linked Bakary Sako with a move to his former clubs rivals Birmingham City, back in January. Gianfranco Zola was reportedly keen to bring the Malian international to St Andrews to bolster his sides chances of keeping in the top half of the table, but a deal wasn’t pushed thourgh.
Considering Birmingham City’s unbelievable slide down the table under the Italian, the former Watford manager will likely be ruing not being able to bring in Sako, who could have offered his side goals and that touch of class. If a new bid is to be lodged in the summer, Birmingham City will need to make sure they are still in the Championship, as it is unlikely that Bakary Sako would drop down to League One again, after spending some time in that division with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Birmingham City manager Gianfranco Zola
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