Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho is certain to leave the club sooner rather than later. While many have claimed that the 26-year-old defender could be on his way to a Ligue 1 club, there are rumours stating that the French defender could remain in England.
Tom Hopkinson of the Sunday People believes that the former PSG man could be on the move in January with Leicester City and West Ham looking to sign him up.
Sakho was earlier suspended by UEFA for the use of a banned substance last season but was subsequently cleared. The Frenchman was expected to make a return to the starting XI this season but he was sent back from preseason and has not featured since.
Jurgen Klopp didn’t really speak a lot about that issue but Sakho had a go on social media when he accused the club of lying of his situation.
A lot of competition ahead of the Frenchman
Klopp did strengthen the defence with the signing of Joel Matip as a free agent. The former Schalke defender has been a rock at the back and his partnership with Dejan Lovren seems to be doing the job for the Reds.
Even when one of the two is injured or suspended, the Liverpool manager has played Lucas Leiva as a makeshift defender rather than turn to the former PSG man. Sakho, for his part, has to play regular football and the lack of first team football will certainly hurt his chances of even playing for the national side.
Sakho was probably the best defender that Liverpool had a couple of seasons ago but his transgressions have certainly ensured he does not return to the side any time soon. The Frenchman is known for his tough tackling, heading ability and strength and still has a number of great years ahead of him.
Defensive solidity for West Ham and Leicester?
Both the clubs linked with a move for Sakho could do with some quality at the back but it would be unwise to sell a player of his stature to another Premier League side.
Sakho could still make Liverpool pay or even make these teams stronger and it would make sense if he does look at avenues outside the country. The French league does look like the best bet for the defender and Klopp might be willing to let him leave on a loan in January also.
This is certainly a sad turn of events for the central defender. Hopefully, the former PSG man can get his groove back at another club and maybe turn his career around post Liverpool like Mario Balotelli has.
Sakho is rated at €20.4 Million by Cies Football-obsevatory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCFgbLi0AZY
