Townsend Seeks Sakho Stay

You love Mamadou Sakho. We love Mamadou Sakho. But ever since he was sent home early from the pre-season US tour, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp apparently does not love Mamadou Sakho.

At his best, the 27-year-old former French international can be an impressive, lock-down, ball-playing center back, with enough aerial ability to threaten from set-pieces on the other end. At his worst? Well, while it’s likely that we’ll never have the full story, clearly Kloppo thought Sakho was enough of an off-the-pitch distraction to want him away from the club.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend would love to see Sakho pen a permanent deal for the London club.

"Obviously I am not the chairman but you have seen the impact he has had since he's come in," Townsend said in an interview after beating Arsenal 3-0. "He's been incredible, I think It's four clean sheets.

"When the ball is coming into the box, he seems to be a magnet for it and it gives us great confidence knowing that if they do manage to get a cross in, he's going to be there to clear it away.

"He's an incredible player and we should do all we can, if we survive, to keep him here next season."

Sakho is a fan favorite, and for good reason. But regardless of what happens to him this summer, it’s nice that he has been able to re-establish himself as a top center half after a year of tribulation, starting with the doping scandal. If nothing else, his strong performances should allow Liverpool to hold out for big big monies in the upcoming window.