Crystal Palace sign Bakary Sako from West Brom on short-term deal

Crystal Palace have signed West Brom winger Bakary Sako on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old Mali international leaves West Brom, who he joined in October on another short-term contract.

After confirming the signing, Palace manager Roy Hodgson said:

“I’m delighted that we’ve managed to bring Bakary back to Palace. He’s a player with a huge amount of talent and as he showed when he was fully fit last year, he is able to provide a boost to our attacking options.

“It’s a particularly pleasing signing, because as well as his ability, he knows the club inside out and was such an immensely popular figure amongst the squad with his positive and upbeat attitude.

“I hope his return will be a major boost as we enter the business end of the season.”

Sako spent three seasons at Palace between 2015 and 2018, scoring eight goals in 50 appearances during his time at Selhurst Park.

However, he made just six appearances during his time with West Brom, and failed to find the back of the net.

Sako will not be able to play in Palace’s match against Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday as he played for West Brom in an earlier round.

He becomes Roy Hodgson’s second signing of the January transfer window, following the arrival of goalkeeper Lucas Perri from Sao Paulo.