23 Aug 2015

Transfer Boost: After talks, Liverpool offer 'outstanding' £18m star £100k-a-week to sign new deal

This month, multiple reports have claimed that Mamadou Sakho wants out of Anfield, but in a seemingly hasty bid to resolve the situation, Liverpool are reportedly throwing money at the 'outstanding' defender in a cack-handed bid to assuage his growing frustration. Clearly, this is a flawed policy, and arguably proves (yet again) that the Reds have learned nothing over the last few years.

According to The Guardian this week:

"Liverpool have offered Sakho a new contract, [which will] increase his wage from £75k-a-week to £100k. Negotiations are at a preliminary stage, and Sakho is likely to see whether his prospects improve before responding..

If this story is true, then Liverpool are attempting to buy Sakho off, hoping that a few extra grand per week will distract him from the fact that he's basically third-choice centre-back.

It's a risky strategy, though. Since the Rafa Benitez era, the Reds have have experienced major problems trying to lower the wage bill, and get rid of players on grossly inflated salaries (Glen Johnson, Pepe Reina et al).

Now, despite that, the club is reportedly offering an injury-prone third-choice defender a massive pay rise in a bid to keep him sweet whilst he warms the bench.

In my view, this is a ridiculous policy. Sakho - who cost Liverpool £18m - wants to *play*, and if Liverpool can't offer him that, just let him leave, and promote Tiago Ilori, or some other Academy centre-back.

Don't put Sakho on £100k-a-week when there's a strong possibility that he may leave in the next 12-18 months.

On the plus side, it's a potential transfer boost for Liverpool as it means Sakho may stop seeking a move away, which some fans will make Sakho's fans happy.

It'll be interesting to see how Sakho reacts to this alleged new offer. If he genuinely wants to ensure his place in next year's European Championships, then he'll reject a new contract and move on to get regular first-team football.

If, however, Sakho signs a new deal whilst being third-choice, then it's clear he's only in it for the money.

If that happens, I'll have very little sympathy for Sakho if he remains stuck on the bench, and then misses out on France's squad for the Euros.


This is what happens, though, when a team is oversubscribed in central defence. It's impossible keep three international central defenders happy in a team that plays with four at the back.

Something has to give, and either Sakho or Lovren will ultimately end up leaving, and right now, it looks like it will be Sakho.

If he has the courage of his convictions, that is...

Author: Jaimie K


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