The footballing world went berserk when reports suggested that Liverpool would be willing to send their key defender, Mamadou Sakho, on a loan in order to regain form and fitness. How could a side that is already deemed to be thin on quality at the defensive end of the pitch deem it necessary to send one of their mainstays on a loan?
Many Liverpool fans questioned the news that is fast gaining momentum, with some even going on to claim that Jurgen Klopp could have made a biased decision with regards to the future of the player, given his off the field issues.
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While it remains to be seen if the player will actually find a temporary home for himself to spend the upcoming season in, the move that has been termed a disaster in the making has forced us to think of the possibilities behind the same.
A passionate footballer, Mama, as Klopp likes to call him, has established himself in the hearts of the Liverpool faithful with impressive performances since making the unexpected move from Paris Saint-Germain. The French defender’s move to Anfield was believed to be inspired by his intention of finding regular first team football and reported loan move away from the club could be fuelled by the player’s desire to feature consistently through the season.
Move could assure Sakho with some much needed playing time
The player’s position as a regular starter in the side has come under scrutiny, given the improved form of Dejan Lovren, the signings of Ragnar Klavan and Joel Matip and the return of the young Joe Gomez from a long-term injury, all of whom play as a Left Centre-Back. Additionally, with Lucas Leiva set to stay at the club, the manager might have advised Sakho that he will find playing time hard to come by in the season to come, forcing the defender to consider his future at Anfield.
Another factor that could have forced the hierarchy at Liverpool to make the decision is the player’s injury record. He has been in and out of the side owing to numerous injuries and a move to a less physical and slower league could help Sakho get a full season of first team football under his belt.
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Given the same, it would help the side if they maintained a first choice centre-back pairing for as long as possible, rather than having a player make sporadic appearances for them over the course of the season, thus disrupting the rhythm of the unit.
The English media has its eyes on Sakho and the smallest of mistakes, on or off the pitch could prove fatal
The player has not played a single minute of competitive football since April when UEFA decided to launch an anti-doping investigation against him for failing a drug test. While the ban has subsequently been lifted and the player is eligible to represent the side, the damage has been done to his reputation and a season away from the limelight could prove beneficial to him.
The English media can be cruel at times and a penchant for ensuring that the smallest on or off the field issues are blown up beyond comprehension and Sakho would be keen to avoid the situation. Let’s not forget he is a feisty character off the pitch as well and sooner or later, the smallest signs of anguish by the player could prove to be detrimental to the player’s reputation.
The move establishes Klopp’s authority at Liverpool
Social media is abuzz with claims stating that the move is not inspired by events over the last few days. Rather, it is believed to be a result of the apparent disciplinary issues that forced Klopp to send the player back to England in the middle of their pre-season tour of the USA.
While Klopp has praised the player’s work ethics and response subsequently, it could be the reason that might have set the wheels in motion. With football getting serious for Klopp this season, he would like to have a disciplined unit at hand in order to bring some much-needed silverware to the club and Sakho could be deemed a disruptive force for the same to occur.
The decision to loan one of their best players could also help Klopp establish his authority over the players and send a message to the other superstars at the club to either fall in line or find a new home for themselves.
No one loves a dictator. Yet, in times when the role of a manager comes under intense scrutiny, they are often forced to make tough decisions that might not please the club’s fans and we believe sending the beloved Sakho out on loan will be Klopp’s toughest decision in the ongoing transfer window.
With nothing concrete materialising yet, Sakho’s future at the club hangs in the balance. While every player loves to stay and fight for their position at the club, it can often prove to be a dangerous move, especially if the manager has decided that the player no longer has a place in his plans and having already moved in the past in quest of playing time, a loan move would serve Sakho well.
The biggest question that arises out of the situation is does Sakho have a long-term future at the club? Could this move prove to be just a smoke screen to let one of the best players in the side leave, rather than selling him immediately, a move that would draw a lot of ire from the club’s fans? We will have to wait and watch until it all unfolds.
