Sakho Reportedly Agrees to Personal Terms With Crystal Palace

While Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish said recently that getting Mamadou Sakho to Selhurst Park permanently would be “very difficult,” it seems that the possibility of a transfer isn’t quite dead yet. Sakho and Crystal Palace have reportedly agreed to personal terms, but the sticking point remains Liverpool’s valuation of the French defender.

The 27-year-old is valued at £30 million by the Reds, who believe that to be a fair assessment in the current market given Sakho’s ability, experience, and character. Liverpool are said to be firm on this stance, but Crystal Palace still have Sakho high on their list of transfer targets for this summer.

Their hope is that Liverpool “soften” on that price tag as the transfer window wears on. The club have made clear that Sakho is not part of their plans for next season. Because of this, Crystal Palace will continue monitoring the situation before submitting a formal bid for the player if the tide turns in their favor.

Sakho became a cult favorite around Selhurt Park last season, with his loan move in January coinciding with a long period of improved performances from the team. Fans are eager to have his services on a permanent basis, and getting his signature would be seen as a coup for the club.

However, according to Melissa Reddy, Liverpool believe Everton’s signing of defender Michael Keene for a fee that could hit £30m is further validation of the price tag they’ve placed on Sakho.

This will be an fascinating game of chicken as the transfer window wears on. As yet, there doesn’t appear to be firm interest in the player from any other club. However, Sakho’s performances for Liverpool and Palace will surely have turned some heads, even if his injury history may give some clubs pause.