- Rak-Sakyi called up for Ghana friendly
- One year left on current Palace deal
- What next for the winger?
Crystal Palace academy star Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has been called up to Ghana’s first team squad ahead of their upcoming friendly against Mexico. Rak-Sakyi changed his international allegiance from English to Ghanaian, and has been rewarded with his first inclusion in the first team squad.
At 23-years-old, it feels as if Rak-Sakyi’s chances of a career at Palace are dwindling, having spent the last few seasons on loan at various clubs. Alas, his performances this season have been enough to earn him a maiden international call-up.
Impressing on the international stage could set him up for a pre-season with the Palace first team, and provide him with the opportunity to impress the new manager.
After signing a five year contract in 2022, Rak-Sakyi’s current deal is set to expire in just over a year. This could see Palace try their best to cash in on him in the upcoming transfer window.
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Rak-Sakyi’s season on loan
The winger spent the first half of the season on loan in Turkey with Ꞔaykur Rizespor, where he scored four goals in his 11 games. Huge interest from the English second division saw Palace recall him, and he was sent to Stoke City for the remainder of the season.
Starting eight games, Rak-Sakyi scored twice for the Potters, who finished 17th in the Championship.
Whilst he didn’t play quite as much as he may have hoped, it was more good exposure to Championship football for the winger.
What next for Rak-Sakyi?
With just over a year left on his current deal at Palace, the South London club may try to cash in on him. There was heavy interest in securing his services last Summer, with a handful of EFL clubs pushing for a move.
Palace have had a series of loan moves for their academy players that have turned out to be heavily disappointing. However, Rak-Sakyi has been one of the few players to secure some really beneficial loans so far.
His first season away from Palace came with South London rivals Charlton Athletic, where he scored 15 times and also registered 9 assists, winning the Addick’s player of the season award.
The following season was spent at Palace, but he saw very little action.
A further loan to Sheffield United for the 2024/25 campaign saw Rak-Sakyi score seven goals whilst assisting twice. It was his first taste of second tier football in England, and it felt as though it could be a springboard for his Palace career.
However, it hasn’t worked out so far, and at 23-years-old, Palace have already invested in numerous wingers, the likes of Romain Esse being even younger, who will undoubtedly be ahead of him in the pecking order.
It may be a case of a permanent move being the best for both parties, with Rak-Sakyi able to crack on with his career and Palace able to sit back and appreciate the part they’ve played in his development.
