Crystal Palace swoop for free agent former Wolves winger Bakary Sako
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Crystal Palace, 6/4 chances with Coral to once again finish in the Premier League’s top 10, have beaten former boss Tony Pulis and West Bromwich Albion to the signing of free agent winger Bakary Sako, who used to play for the Baggies’ Black Country rivals Wolves.
Sako, 27, has penned a three-year contract at Selhurst Park, and is Alan Pardew’s summer signing following the lauded captures of France playmaker Yohan Cabaye and Chelsea youngster Patrick Bamford on loan, plus goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and most recently Sunderland striker Connor Wickham.
“I talked to some clubs but when I met Alan I felt a good feeling between him and me and that’s why I chose Palace.,” said Sako. “He [Pardew] plays attacking, attractive football so it should be good to play here and score some goals, that’s why I came to join him.
“I’ve been doing my own pre-season training because Wolves gave me a programme before I left, and my cousin has a small academy so we trained together to keep my fitness levels up.
BREAKING: #CPFC are delighted to announce the free transfer signing of Bakary Sako on a three-year deal. pic.twitter.com/GJV7ahiOKY
— Crystal Palace FC (@CPFC) August 5, 2015
“I think I’m fit now but it’s in the manager’s hands to pick me so we’ll see how my fitness is. I want to play lots of games, score some goals and get some assists and enjoy myself. I’m confident about stepping up to the premier League so we’ll see how it goes.”
This swoop for Sako came after it looked like the Mali international attacker would stay in the West Midlands, making the controversial switch from Wolverhampton to West Bromwich, but it seems the lure of playing in London swayed him.
Competition for a wide berth at Palace will be stiff now, also after Bamford’s addition as he can also operate down the flanks. Sako and the English youngster will have to fend off the likes of Yannick Bolasie, Lee Chung-Yong, Jason Puncheon and Wilfried Zaha for starting spots.
