Leicester City and Swansea City are reportedly chasing a deal to secure Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
The winger has fallen out of favour at Selhurst Park. The 22-year-old was an unused substitute in the opening two games this season and not featured in the squad since.
Rak-Sakyi is under contract at Crystal Palace until 2027. Swansea and Leicester are reportedly keen on signing the attacker on a loan deal before the end of the window.
Who is Jesurun Rak-Sakyi?
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi joined Crystal Palace in 2019 after leaving Chelsea’s youth system. The 22-year-old signed a professional contract in 2021 and made his debut at the start of the 2021-22 season.
The young attacker flourished during a loan spell at Charlton Athletic in the 2022-23 campaign. He was awarded the club’s supporters player-of-the-year having totalled 24 goal contributions across all competitions.
With limited game time at Selhurst Park, Rak-Sakyi was loaned out to Sheffield United last season. The Palace youngster helped the Blades to third place and the Championship play-off final.
Having fallen down the pecking order at Selhurst Park, the 22-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs. Both Swansea and Leicester are reportedly looking to offer Rak-Sakyi Championship football again this season.
What could Rak-Sakyi bring to Swansea City or Leicester City?
The 22-year-old predominately plays on the right wing and can provide a significant goal threat from this position. Last season, Rak-Sakyi scored seven goals at an average of 0.36 goals-per-90-minutes despite struggling to establish himself in Blades’ side.
According to fotmob’s player traits graphic, the Palace youngster is one of the best in his position for goals scored. Rak-Sakyi scored more goals than 82% of players in his position in similar leagues.
The 22-year-old offers variability in his attacking play 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-foot or drive down the wing to cross with his right-foot.
This attribute allows him to create a number of chances for his teammates. During his Sheffield United loan spell, Rak-Sakyi created, on average, 1.51 chances per 90 minutes.
The Palace youngster has the ability to beat opposition defenders in 1v1 situations as well. Last season, the young attacker completed 2.44 successful dribbles and won 6.34 duels on average per 90 minutes.
On top of his attacking ability, the 22-year-old is capable of completing his defensive duties from the wing. On average, Rak-Sakyi made 1.96 tackles and 1.22 blocks per 90 minutes over the past year.
Which club would be best for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi?
Moving away from Crystal Palace would provide Rak-Sakyi with regular first team football. With Ismailia Sarr, Matheus Franca and Justin Devenny all competing for places at Selhurst Park, it would be hard to imagine the 22-year-old playing regularly this season.
The question will be which club is better suited for Rak-Sakyi. In the opening six games this season, Swansea have deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation.
This formation would suit the Palace youngster’s attributes and ability to create and score from the wide position. However, the South Wales side are less likely to be competing at the top of the division when compared to Leicester.
This season, Swansea rank 24th for big chances created and expected goals (xG) with three and 3.4 xG respectively. In comparison, Leicester ranked 17th and 11th for xG and big chances created respectively.
Taking this into account, it may be more beneficial for Rak-Sakyi to join a side who will likely challenge for promotion such as Leicester. Martí Cifuentes has also deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation this season and departures from the King Power may create opportunities for Rak-Sakyi.
Kasey McAtter’s move to Ipswich Town has left a gap in Leicester’s attack. On top of this, Bilal El-Khannouss and Abdul Fatawu have been linked with moves away prior to deadline day.
A move to Leicester, with their reduced attacking options, could be the best for Rak-Sakyi to get regular game time.
