Crystal Palace seal permanent move for Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho in a deal worth £26million

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Mamadou Sakho has completed his permanent return to Crystal Palace from Liverpool after a successful loan spell last season.

The 27-year-old joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain in 2013, featuring in 80 fixtures for the Anfield club. But since Jurgen Klopp's arrival, the French defender has become surplus to requirements and has been forced to make a living elsewhere.

Sakho's arrival at Palace was only announced at 2am - three hours after the transfer window closed.

Mamadou Sakho returns to Crystal Palace for £26million after successful loan spell

Sakho has signed a four-year deal with Palace, with the club holding an option for a fifth season.

Sakho said: 'I am really happy to be here because I have some friends here. I loved the challenge last year; it was difficult but beautiful and it's why this summer I thought that Palace was the best choice.

'I am really excited about playing for the Palace fans again, but in football the past is the past and you need to think about today and tomorrow. 

The defender spent last season on loan at Palace but made eight appearances due to injury

'Last year we did a good job and we need to prove that again and have a good objective. If we put all of our power together, we will have a great season.' 

And he insisted Palace was his first choice move this summer: 'I loved the challenge last year; it was difficult but beautiful and it's why this summer I thought that Palace was the best choice.

'I am really happy to be here because I have some friends here. I still keep in touch with Christian, Wilf, Bakary and Yohan Cabaye, as well as Jason Puncheon. 

'We had a really good ambiance last year and so we still speak to each other.'