Rak-Sakyi is spending the rest of the season on loan at Stoke City.placeholder image
Rak-Sakyi is spending the rest of the season on loan at Stoke City. | Getty Images
The Stoke City winger is hoping to make an impact for the side after arriving on loan from Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.
The 23-year-old has linked up with the Potters, who sit 12th in the second tier, and could make his debut against struggling West Brom at the Hawthorns this weekend. Rak-Sakyi had been on loan at Turkish side Caykur Rizespor this season but was recalled in January.
The forward is a product of the Crystal Palace academy but only has 10 first team appearances to his name, with his most notable stints coming during loan spells at Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United.
Stoke City win Crystal Palace loan race
When confirming the deal, Stoke City celebrated the coup of the ‘highly sought-after’ forward. Sporting Director Jonathan Walters said: “Having identified Jesurun as a target prior to the January transfer window, we are now delighted to make him a Stoke City player for the season’s final third. He has provided goals and assists throughout his career to date, including in last season’s Championship for Sheffield United, when he was a standout forward player.
“The way he plays the game is exciting and direct, so I’m sure our supporters will quickly take to him and make him feel completely at home.”
Football Insider had claimed earlier that Swansea City agreed a deal to sign the player from Crystal Palace but that the move had fallen through with Rak-Sakyi unconvinced by the move to South Wales. Coventry City had also been linked with the player but instead ended up signing Romain Esse on loan from the Eagles.
Rak-Sakyi outlines mission after Swansea City snub
Having snubbed Swansea City and joined their Championship rivals, Rak-Sakyi has now spoken out after the transfer. He told the Stoke Sentinel: “It’s been quite a while since I last played but I’ve been trying to keep fit and ready for when the chance comes. I’ve been doing work myself because I knew I needed to be ready for a move like this. I’m excited. It’s something that was in the works for a long time so I’m happy it’s over the line and we can get started.”
Rak-Sakyi has 26 goals and 12 assists in 104 appearances so far in his career and is ready to put in the hard yards for Mark Robins’ side. He said: “There is an expectation on wingers here to work hard and to give your best to the team. Dedication, application is always important when you’re playing as a wide man. That’s stuff I’m always used to and it will be no different here.
“I like to take on my man. I like to be someone who is exciting to watch. People come to watch people and be excited. I like to give something back to fans and make sure I’m doing my job and they’re happy.
“I like to score goals, I like to create chances and I like to work hard for the team too, that’s important. You play football to have fun. You don’t play it if you don’t like it. Be happy with what you’re doing – but of course we also know how serious the game is too.”
In other news, Crystal Palace and West Ham January transfer agreement emerges - and why the deal collapsed.
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