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Oh the hilarity that is the Sakho show:
Over 24 hours ago, it appeared out of nowhere that Diafra Sakho was suddenly headed to Rennes.
Sky Sports top reporter Kaveh Solhekol tweeted about Sakho going to the Ligue 1 club and passing a physical.
West Ham forward Diafra Sakho has just passed Rennes medical. £9m deal agreed
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 30, 2017
Solhekol then wrote those chilling words that you can never go back from....”deal agreed.”
Immediately, there was a clear reaction of anger from West Ham, as there started to be major pushback on Sakho’s reported “departure.”
And then came owner David Gold, who was in no mood for nonsense, making it clear what the situation was: That he and David Sullivan decide if Sakho stays or goes, and they clearly decided the former with no thoughts of the latter.
Diafra Sakho is not for sale in this transfer window he is an integral part of our first team squad and will play a part in our recovery. dg pic.twitter.com/wtBNB8H2D5
— David Gold (@davidgold) August 30, 2017
This stern stance by the Hammers owners lead to Sakho having to comeback to West Ham and explain himself, and for a rare transfer tweet in which Solhekol didn’t get right all the way.
Diafra Sakho has passed Rennes medical. Up to West Ham to decide if they want to sell him now. Personal terms being discussed with Rennes
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 30, 2017
Diafra Sakho wants to leave West Ham. He's flying back to UK this afternoon. West Ham say he had Rennes medical yesterday without permission
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 31, 2017
2/2 Sakho has spoken on the phone to West Ham today to discuss "off field personal issues". West Ham position remains he will not be sold
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 31, 2017
Diafra Sakho now on his way to London Stadium for talks about his future with West Ham
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 31, 2017
Fitting of a situation so comical, Sakho spent the beginning of Thursday betting on his agent’s horse (by the way, Sakho and all footballers are allowed to bet, just as long as it isn’t on football).
1/2 We're told Diafra Sakho is in car park at Chelmsford races. His advisers horse Siege of Boston has just won 3.20 in photo-finish at 9/2
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 31, 2017
There still were questions as to whether West Ham would budge to Sakho’s request and be sympathetic to how he wanted to move for “personal reasons.” But the Davids did not budge...at least, if you aren’t talking about giving Sakho a possible raise!
Indeed, in convincing him to stay and be happy in London, both the owners decided to ponder giving the capricious Senegalese striker a bump in salary for his forced move attempt! Cue the “I am happy here now and love this club” reaction from the hilarious protagonist.
Diafra Sakho staying at West Ham after talks. May be offered new deal. Club understand his personal problems. He's proud to play for WHUFC
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 31, 2017
And to wrap up the day, how much did Sakho win for that successful bet on Siege of Boston?
West Ham forward Diafra Sakho landed a touch during visit to Chelmsford races today. Put £100 on agent's horse Siege of Boston and won £550
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 31, 2017
Making it a fitting hilarious close, one of those horses that Siege of Boston beat in that race was name...Happy Hammer.
(That was noticed by good sir Jonathan Lines).
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And that has been this week’s dramatic episode of “The Sakho Show.” See you next week for another exciting, unpredictable episode that no one knows will happen next.