Crystal Palace Manager Sam Allardyce and defender Mamadou Sakho have forged a very strong bond with each other and the former England boss is keen on signing him permanently from Liverpool in the summer. But there is one major hindrance to this deal – the price tag that the Merseysiders have slapped on Sakho’s sale, £30 million,a price that may be out of reach for the Crystal Palace manager.
Sakho has been brilliant at the heart of the defence for Big Sam’s side showcasing both his defensive prowess and leadership qualities that has propelled Palace away from the relegation zone into mid-table. Big Sam hailed Sakho’s qualities, saying:
“I think that his leadership as well as his ability has been a massive plus for me. I didn’t know he had such great leadership qualities in the dressing room, at the training ground and on the pitch. He is a leader and they are rare and getting fewer and further between now than ever before. He takes responsibility, talks to other players and discusses what should happen and what shouldn’t happen.”
On a potential permanent move for the defender in the summer, Sam made it clear that he wants Sakho to sign for Palace, but there are certain things that are beyond his control.
“In the end, it will be very difficult but that will be down to the club, Mama and Liverpool to discuss at the end of the season,” the Crystal Palace boss told the Croydon Advertiser. “He is massive (for Crystal Palace), there’s no doubt about that.”
Sakho has played the last 7 matches for the London Club, but will have to sit out this weekend’s fixture at Anfield, as Liverpool is his parent club. Palace have been brilliant at Anfield in recent years, grabbing all 3 points in the last two seasons. Sam Allardyce will be hoping to do the same this year, but he will have a much tougher task considering the Reds’ 7 match unbeaten run.
If Palace play like they did against Chelsea, they have every reason to believe they can leave Merseyside with 3 points in their bag. In the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park this season, Liverpool ran out 4-2 winners in an entertaining game. Both fans would be hoping for the same kind of football as the two sides square off against each other this weekend.
https://youtu.be/GCFgbLi0AZY
