Reports from The Sun this weekend suggest that former Wolves and Crystal Palace winger, Bakary Sako, is in talks with a Championship club that, as yet, remains unnamed. Could that club be Sheffield United?
Well, there’s a small chance it might just be the Blades. The Sun report that Sako is set to start training with a Championship side. From there, it’s suggested said club will then make a decision over whether to sign the 33-year-old.
Sako has been playing over in Cyprus with Pafos. However, is now a free-agent, and a return to England is on the cards. He made his name with Wolves, where he scored an impressive 24 goals in 78 appearances for the Molineux outfit.
Of course, there is no inclination in the report from the Sun that it is indeed United who are keen. However, the Blades’ switch to a system with wide forwards – Sako’s position – and the willingness to sign free-agents (see Adlene Guedioura), means we shouldn’t be ruled out.
Bakary Sako to Sheffield United?
It’s anyone’s guess really as to where Sako ends up. The fact we are talking about Sheffield United is merely due to the fact he could suit out new shape under Jokanovic.
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At Wolves, Sako played from the left-hand side. Ben Osborn has been filling that role for United recently, but he doesn’t have the running power or ability to go past players like Sako does. Or even Morgan Gibbs-White on the opposite side.
At 33, Sako might well be past his best as well. So there is an element of risk for United – or whoever it is – signs the winger. But with risk can also come reward.
He’s unlikely to be demanding big money, given he’s coming back from the relatively small Cypriot league. He has speed, he has power, and as he showed with Wolves, has a goal in him.
If it is Sheffield United that are keen on Bakary Sako, then it will certainly be interesting to see how he contributes under Jokanovic.