Why Crystal Palace letting go of Mamadou Sakho would be the right decision
According to Estadio Deportivo (h/t Brighton and Hove independent), Real Betis are mooted to make a move for Crystal Palace defender Mamadou Sakho. The former Liverpool man’s contract expires in the summer and the Spanish side are hoping to sign him then.
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Sakho first arrived at Crystal Palace on loan from rivals Liverpool, making 8 league appearances that season before being ruled out for the season due to a ligament injury. Nevertheless, Palace signed him permanently the following summer for a sum of around £25million.
Since then, Sakho has played a total of 74 matches for the Eagles across all competitions. However, the French defender has failed to establish himself as a regular in the side all these years, majorly due to the various injuries he has sustained in the past couple of years.
A first-choice centre-back when fit, Sakho played the most in 2018-19 for Roy Hodgson’s side. He made 27 appearances in the Premier League that term. Unfortunately, he was once again hampered by another injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season.
Palace can afford to let go of Sakho
It has been the same this year also for Sakho, who lost his place to fellow veterans and centre-backs Gary Cahill and James Tomkins earlier this season. Sakho, however, made a return to the first-team but luck seems to have not favoured the seasoned defender as he was once again ruled out due to a thigh injury.
Also, Palace already have five centre-backs in their side, three of whom are already past their 30s.
With the side already filled with players, letting Sakho go amidst interest from Betis will not hurt them bad next season. It will free up some of the wages at the club which can be put to better use.
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Crystal Palace will save themselves some money and time by letting go of Sakho, who has been hampered by injuries at Selhurst Park. With the side already having enough back-up in their defence, letting go of one of their old guards will only serve them well. Hence, they should go ahead with Betis’ interest in Sakho and allow him to leave when his contract runs out.
