There have certainly not been too many players to return to Crystal Palace over the years following an initial release.

However, one man who did just that is winger Bakary Sako. However, Steve Parish will be delighted that he is once again off of the wage bill following his exit at the conclusion of the 2018/19 campaign.

The Malian wideman originally joined the Eagles at the beginning of the 2015/16 season, fresh off the back of a brilliant campaign with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Joining on a free transfer, he could not capture his best form in front of goal, scoring just eight goals at Selhurst Park across three seasons before his original contract came to an end in 2018.

It was certainly a relief to have the winger off of the Selhurst Park wage bill considering that he was hoovering up approximately £55k per week throughout his contract. For comparison, that is the same amount that club captain Luka Milivojevic is currently earning at the club and considerably more than fellow wideman Eberechi Eze is currently being paid.

Linking up with West Bromwich Albion in the Championship after his time at Palace came to an end, Sako would intriguingly return to the club just over three months later for a second spell – a period in which he would play just four games before getting released once more.

Now 32, Sako was last seen playing for Cypriot outfit Pafos FC, where he made just six appearances and scored a solitary goal, following a failed move to Denizlispor.

He is now a free agent and whilst he is one of few players to have signed for the Eagles twice throughout his career, a third spell at Selhurst Park seems highly unlikely.

Parish will be delighted that he is no longer forking out for his considerable wages. He made the right call when letting him go dfor the secon time.

AND in more news, read about which Palace beast needs to be offered a new deal at Selhurst Park...