Controversial Italian striker Mario Balotelli has urged his former Liverpool teammate, Mamadou Sakho, to leave Anfield in January and join him at French side Nice.
Balotelli, who left Anfield for France last summer, was asked about Mamadou Sakho’s difficult situation at Anfield by a TF1 reporter, saying the commanding centre-back should leave Liverpool as soon as possible.
“I speak to him from time to time,” Balotelli told the French TV channel.
“What a waste a player like that doesn’t play. He’s one of the best defenders I’ve come across. He should play every game. He should leave.
“If he wants to come, I’m going to ask him. I’m really going to ask him. In January? It would be good.”
Sakho had some great performances for Liverpool last season, but fell out of favour with Jürgen Klopp during the club’s pre-season tour and his attitude was publicly questioned by the German manager.
The 26-year-old former PSG centre-back is yet to play a single minute for Klopp’s team this season and it seems like his Anfield career is all but over.
He was linked with loan moves to several Premier League clubs over the summer, but reportedly rejected all offers to stay at Anfield.
His situation at Liverpool has also led to him losing his place in the France national team, so maybe he’d choose to finally switch clubs when the January transfer window opens.
Nice would definitely be a great opportunity for Sakho. He’d get the chance to play under an experienced and progressive manager like Lucien Favre and Balotelli would surely help him settle quickly.
Nice are also doing very well in the French league this season and are currently top of the table with 29 points, which could also play a major part in Sakho’s decision.
