Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on why he wasn’t loaned out last season

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on October 27, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

Crystal Palace prospect Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has been at the center of a major transfer saga this summer, attracting significant interest.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has been aiming to make a consistent impact at Crystal Palace. Having progressed through their academy, Rak-Sakyi had a promising loan spell at Charlton in 2022/23, which raised expectations for the following season.

However, Crystal Palace kept the 21-year-old last season, opting not to loan him out. This decision led to injury struggles and limited opportunities, with Rak-Sakyi making only eight appearances for the first team across all competitions. It’s clear that a loan move might have been more beneficial for his development.

This summer, despite interest from clubs wanting to sign Rak-Sakyi permanently, he is set to join Sheffield United on loan. The move is intended to help him gain more experience and potentially aid the Blades in their bid for Premier League promotion.

Reports suggest Rak-Sakyi has been unsettled due to not being loaned out last season, impacting his development. Palace seems to prefer a loan this time, aiming for him to develop into a player of similar value to Omari Hutchinson, who recently moved to Ipswich Town for £20 million.

The upcoming season at Sheffield United will be crucial for Rak-Sakyi’s future. His performance could determine whether he gets a chance in the Premier League or requires further development. With three years left on his contract, his future at Palace will depend significantly on his season with Sheffield United and any further signings by the club.