Given Mamadou Sakho’s reputation for tardiness, it’s surprising that he didn’t arrive at Crystal Palace’s training ground after the transfer window had slammed shut.
Sakho has officially left Liverpool on loan until the end of the season, having seen his relationship with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp continue to deteriorate since the summer.
The Frenchman was sent home from Liverpool’s pre-season tour by Klopp, who accused the defender of a lack of respect after showing up late to a team meal.
“It is true that I turned up late,” Sakho admitted on Canal+ last week. “There was a rule that I should have observed. I do not at all see myself as above the rules, I respect everyone.
“I paid my fine, I was sanctioned, I apologised to my team-mates and my manager. Aside from that… I do not want to go into the controversies.”
And the trust in Sakho was never restored as he failed to make a Premier League appearance this season.
The 26-year-old will finally get to return to the pitch, but it will be for Crystal Palace, not Liverpool, as Sakho signed for the Eagles on loan at the very end of Transfer Deadline Day.
Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, Palace chairman Steve Parish really could not be drawn into discussing the club’s late pursuit of Sakho.
But at the 11 o’clock deadline, confirmation arrived that the centre-half would be joining up with Sam Allardyce’s side until the summer.
BREAKING: Mamadou Sakho joins @CPFC on loan from @LFC until the end of the season https://t.co/xt5GaIbqGz #DeadlineDay #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/bFm6UYJAPq
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 31, 2017
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