Jesurun Rak-Sakyi enjoyed an impressive campaign on loan at Sheffield United in the 2024/25 campaign as their season ended in a play-off final defeat to Sunderland.
This season, English starlet Jesurun Rak-Sakyi enjoyed his second loan spell in the EFL, having shone on loan to Charlton Athletic in their 22/23 League One campaign by scoring 15 goals and notching eight assists.
In the 24/25 Championship, the Crystal Palace youngster scored seven goals and notched two assists for the Blades, but could not help Chris Wilder and his squad oversee promotion to the Premier League.
Under Wilder, Rak-Sakyi operated at right midfield, and his pace was a constant thorn in the side of Championship defences this season.
As such, interest in his permanent services is evident from the Blades and Birmingham City, as the summer transfer window ramps up.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Crystal Palace to make call on Jesurun Rak-Sakyi amid summer transfer window
Former Chelsea Under-18 player Rak-Sakyi has proven himself a capable operator for a top-end Championship side, with standout performances coming in his 45-minute cameo in the 2-2 draw with Coventry and an emphatic brace against Luton Town.
As was the case ahead of this season, there will be several suitors at the table for Rak-Sakyi, with his future destination uncertain as of yet.
EFL Analysis’ Chief Football correspondent Graeme Bailey exclusively told us: “His future is not 100% confirmed.
“Crystal Palace are still assessing his future. I think there’s a very good chance he ends up permanently in the Championship.
“Obviously Sheffield United have stayed down and they had him last season, but I think there’s going to be a lot of options for him in the Championship.
“I don’t think anyone has been nailed down but Birmingham do want at least one winger. I’m being told they are in the mix.
“Palace are yet to make an official decision, but it looks like he’ll be gone. For Birmingham, personally I’m not sure I see them signing both Rak-Sakyi and Kwame Poku.
“For me, Rak-Sakyi has the higher ceiling to be fair, he’s got that experience in the Championship under his belt.
“Still, never say never. People love a winger, so Birmingham might want both.”
With Birmingham battling for Poku, it could open the door for Rak-Sakyi’s return to Bramall Lane, but one underlying metric could put the 22-year-old off a permanent move.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi reveals his thoughts on Sheffield United loan
Rak-Sakyi has spent the majority of his season at Sheffield United in a right midfield role, employing his attacking prowess well to score all seven of his Championship goals inside the box.
The Eagles loanee’s raw pace and ability in one-on-one actions have been difficult for defences to deal with all season.
Ahead of the play-off campaign, Rak-Sakyi reflected on his Blades loan. He told CPFC.co.uk: “It’s a long season,
“There’s a lot of games so he (Chris Wilder) wants to keep us as fresh as he can, because we’re a pressing team and he wants the intensity.
“Obviously, I’ve mostly been playing for 60 minutes.”
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi in 24/25
Games played – 35 (22)
Goals – 7
Assists – 2
Minutes played – 1731
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi in 24/25 Championship for Sheffield United on loan
Sheffield United’s 3-1 victory at home to Middlesbrough in February, in which the Palace loanee scored the opening goal, was the only game throughout the season that he played the full game without being substituted.
With there being a “very good chance” that Rak-Sakyi ends up in the Championship, on a permanent move away from Selhurst Park this season, a player of his ilk and potential should be enjoying more than only one full 90 minutes.
The lack of starts and full games could impact the 22-year-old’s thinking when choosing his club ahead of next season.