French defender Mamadou Sakho’s Liverpool career has all but ended according to manager Jürgen Klopp when he confirmed that the player is not considered a part of his first team squad. The German said on Friday that no first team player would be sold in January and by confirming that Sakho is not the part of the first team, he has indirectly confirmed that the Reds would definitely be offloading the 26-year old in the upcoming winter transfer window.
Sakho was the first choice defender for Liverpool until he failed a drugs test in April, due to which he was suspended. From then on, the defender hasn’t played for the Merseyside club with a combination of injuries and disciplinary problems killing off any chances of him getting back into the frame. With a move away from Anfield looking inevitable, let’s look at the clubs where the defender can end up at.
West Brom
The Baggies made their interest for the defender clear as they chased the player in the summer. Tony Pulis is an admirer of the 26-year old and thinks that he can improve the team’s defence. Pulis has always emphasised on the defensive part of the game.
The manager has a reputation of stabilising the defence of the teams he manages which he has achieved at his current club as well. The addition of Sakho would certainly improve things further while a move to the midlands would also offer the prospect of Premier League football for the defender as well.
OGC Nice
An interesting prospect for Sakho which will provide a return back to France. Interestingly, there he can team up with another Liverpool outcast Mario Balotelli who has experienced a drastic change in his own fortunes since joining the club in the summer.
Nice are currently sitting at the top of the Ligue 1 table and their title charge will be boosted by his arrival at the club. In fact Mario Balotelli is reported to have requested his former teammate to join him at the Allianz Riviera.
In Lucien Favre, Sakho will have a manager who stresses on defensive solidity and has a specific way of play as well. Could turn out to be a brilliant move and one that’ll help Nice potentially lift the title at the expense of PSG.
Inter Milan
The Italian giants are stuttering in the league and are in desperate need of some defensive reinforcements in winter. Sakho’s availability will be undoubtedly something they are monitoring at the moment.
Having already shipped in 21 goals from 15 games, the inclusion of the French defender will be a very good deal for the club as well as for the player who would get a chance to experience life in a different league in a different country playing for one of the most reputed clubs in world football.
