Sunderland are the latest club to show an interest in Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who is expected to leave on loan this month.
The 20-year-old came through the ranks at Chelsea before joining the Eagles in 2019, as he looked to have a clearer path to the first-team.
That hasn’t really happened yet, but it’s understandable, with Rak-Sakyi instead going out on loan to help his development given his age.
Rak-Sakyi spent the previous campaign with Charlton, and it’s a move that worked out very well for the player, as he contributed 15 goals and eight assists for the Addicks as they finished tenth in the table.
Naturally, the next step is for Rak-Sakyi to play in the Championship, and there have been many rumours about clubs in the second tier willing to take him on loan.
The Sun journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that Sunderland are the latest to express an interest, as he revealed they have spoken to Palace about the possibility of signing Rak-Sakyi.
With doubts about the future of Patrick Roberts, the update states that the Wearside outfit could be in the market for a wide attacker, and Rak-Sakyi would be an ideal replacement given his quality in the final third.
But, it won’t be a straightforward deal, as the report outlines the level of competition for the player, which includes Blackburn, who are thought to be very keen on getting the move sorted.
It adds that Michael Olise’s decision to renew his contract with the Eagles amid interest from Chelsea means they are now in a position where they will sanction Rak-Sakyi’s departure. Therefore, something is expected to happen ahead of the deadline, which is on September 1.
This would be a great signing for Sunderland, as Rak-Sakyi is a talented player, and the number of clubs in for the player shows there is a feeling that he will be able to cope with the Championship, even if he is unproven at this level.
The style of play that Tony Mowbray adopts would be ideal for his game, and he could provide a constant threat down the flank, whilst his movement and ability to get into goalscoring positions would offer a major threat.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has said he ‘hopes’ Rak-Sakyi will stay with the Eagles this season, despite loan interest from a number of Championship clubs.
“We like Jes – we’re happy to have him back. We like what we see in training. As a coach, I am in no hurry to ask him to leave to go on loan,” he said via London News online.
“One hopes that will be the case, but these matters with young players can be complicated because they have their own feelings about getting match minutes. They also have agents who are suggesting to them that the next move in their career needs to be another loan.
“It’s a constant matter for discussion. We, the coaching staff, are happy to have him and happy to be working with him. Who knows? Let’s hope he stays with us rather than go on loan.”
