Crystal Palace are preparing for the 2025-26 Premier League campaign but one of their attackers is open to securing a move away from Selhurst Park.
The Eagles’ attacker, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, is reportedly open to moving north of the border to join Scottish Premiership side Rangers. Russell Martin’s side are looking to add the young attacker to their squad and are looking to raise the funds to match Crystal Palace’s £10 million valuation.
Who is Jesurun Rak-Sakyi?
Rak-Sakyi joined Crystal Palace in 2019 after leaving Chelsea’s youth system. After signing a professional contract in 2021, the 22 year old made his debut for the South London side against his former side at the start of the 2021-22 season.
In order to develop his game, the young attacker joined Charlton Athletic on loan for the 2022-23 campaign. After 24 goal contributions across all competitions, he was awarded the club’s supporters player of the year.
With limited game time at Selhurst Park, Rak-Sakyi was loaned out to Sheffield United last season. After helping the Blades to third place in the Championship, the 22 year old is now reportedly open to a move away from Crystal Palace with Rangers the best placed to secure his services.
What could Rak-Sakyi bring to Rangers?
The 22 year old predominately plays on the right wing and can provide a significant goal threat from out wide. Last season, Rak-Sakyi scored seven goals at an average of 0.36 goals per 90 minutes.
Despite failing to reach double figures, the Crystal Palace youngster was one of the best in his position for goals scored. According to fotmob’s player traits graphic, Rak-Sakyi scored more goals than 80% of players in his position in similar leagues.
The 22 year old offers variability on the right-flank due to his ambipedal ability. He has the ability to cut in from the right-wing to shoot with his left-wing or drive down the wing to cross with his right-foot, as shown by creating on average 1.51 chances per 90 minutes last season.
Rak-Sakyi has the ability to beat opposition defenders in 1v1 situations as well. Over the past year, the young attacker has completed 2.45 successful take-ons and 3.81 progressive carries on average per 90 minutes.
The talent that Rak-Sakyi has at the age of 22 suggests that he has plenty of room to develop and improve. This was emphasised by Chris Wilder when the attacker signed for Sheffield United:
“He’s still young, and has lots to learn, but he has a real talent and he’s someone who has the ability to get the punters off their seats”.
On top of this attacking ability, the 22 year old is capable of completing his defensive duties from the right-wing. On average, Rak-Sakyi made 1.93 tackles and 1.2 blocks per 90 minutes over the past year.
Would this be a good move for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi?
Moving to Rangers would see Rak-Sakyi join up with manager Russell Martin who has spoken highly of the 22 year old:
“He’s a player I liked at Southampton. We tried to take him there and it didn’t quite happen”
“So, he’s a player I like and I think he’s a player the recruitment staff like”
Moving to Rangers would provide Rak-Sakyi with regular first team football. With Ismailia Sarr, Eberechi Eze, Matheus Franca and Eddie Nketiah all competing for places at Selhurst Park, it would be hard to imagine the 22 year old playing regularly for Crystal Palace this coming season.
Should Russell Martin’s side progress through the qualifiers, a move north of the border for Rak-Sakyi could see him playing UEFA Champions League football. This would be a significant boost to his development allowing him to test himself against Europe’s top sides.
The Crystal Palace youngster would fit into the system deployed by Martin as well. The Rangers manager prefers a 4-3-3 formation which would allow Rak-Sakyi to play out wide in an attacking front three.
With the potential for Champions League football and the likely guarantee of regular football, a move to Ibrox could be the best thing for Rak-Sakyi’s development and career.