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As Liverpool was getting ready to wrap up a busy summer, it was a last-minute signing that got fans excited.

Brendan Rodgers was looking to strengthen his defence after signing Kolo Toure for free. He brought in Thiago Ilori, a promising but untested player, for £7million.

But it wasn't Ilori who stole the show in September 2013. Instead, all eyes were on Mamadou Sakho, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain amid much excitement.

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Sakho cost £18m, making him the most expensive centre-back in Anfield history at the time and one of the top five most expensive players in any position to sign for the club.

Some might have been worried about the timing of the deal - it came right at the end of the transfer window. But Sakho's signing was seen as a big statement.

At just 23, the former PSG captain was thought to be the solid foundation of a defence that would support Rodgers' quest for glory at Anfield.

By September 2013, Sakho had already played for France 14 times. He was seen as someone who could become a key part of Liverpool's defence for many years.

Rodgers certainly agreed with this idea.

"You look at some teams and they have ageing centre-halves because it is a struggle to get a really good one," Rodgers said at the time.

"Sakho is 23 but he is an experienced player, he has senior international caps and looks an absolute monster in training. He is one who is ready for now and that is what we want."

"We had a chance to protect the club for maybe the next 10 years and that is what we have done."

Sakho's first season with Liverpool almost saw them win their