Crystal Palace may have lost star player Michael Olise to Bayern Munich this summer but they’ve just completed the signing of long term target Ismaila Sarr from Marseille, after years admiring the former Watford man. This now means Palace have a decision to make on right winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who’s wanted by a long list of clubs.
Rak-Sakyi, 21, is one of the most sought after young Premier League players right now. The twenty-one year old is a target for a raft of Championship clubs who want to take him on loan for the 2024/25 season. The likes of Hull City and Sheffield United have registered an interest, and game time in the second tier would certainly aid Rak-Sakyi’s development, especially after he missed most of last season due to injury.
After the sale of Olise, and the potential for other stars to leave Selhurst Park, Premier League betting markets haven’t been kind to Oliver Glasner’s side. However, they have moved quick to bring in Sarr, with further reinforcements expected. And, they could have more money to spend as it’s suggested Southampton, who were promoted from the Championship last season, are open to buying Rak-Sakyi.
This presents the powers that be at Palace with a decision to make on Rak-Sakyi. He was in the first ten Premier League matchday squads in 2023/24, before being struck down by injury. So, there’s a belief that he could one day hold his own at the level. A loan to the Championship, where he’d play most weeks, would, therefore, bring Rak-Sakyi along for Palace to use maybe next season.
On the other hand, they could get decent money for him now, while he remains an unknown quantity in the top tier. They can add the funds to their transfer war chest, giving Glasner what he needs to get his squad in place ahead of the new campaign. They could protect themselves with clauses if he was sold with a sell on clause, for example. Or even a buy back clause.
It’s unlikely to go down well with many if Rak-Sakyi is allowed to leave the club in a full time transfer, bearing in mind he’s a young player that many have high hopes for. At twenty-one, there’s still the potential the winger goes on to become a Premier League player. It was only a couple of seasons ago Rak-Sakyi starred for Charlton on loan, scoring fifteen goals and making ten assists in all competitions, but in League One primarily.
There is another option open to Palace, and that will come down to Glasner running the rule over the player. Rak-Sakyi could be a part of the first team squad next season, largely operating as cover for Sarr. He’d be certain to get game time off the bench in the Premier League, while it’s also likely he’d be called upon for cup matches. It would buy Palace time to decide on Rak-Sakyi, and they could then take a decision in the next window on his future.
