Charlton Athletic are set to miss out on a move for Crystal Palace forward Jesurun Rak-Sakyi this summer due to the price-tag that the Eagles have set.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan with Sheffield United, recording seven goals and two assists en route to Championship play-off final heartbreak.
Rak-Sakyi enjoyed the 2022/23 campaign with the Addicks on a temporary basis, but it seems unlikely that the club will be able to bring him back to The Valley.
Following their promotion to the Championship, Charlton are looking to add firepower to their frontline, but that isn’t believed to be in the form of Rak-Sakyi.
According to South London journalist Rich Cawley though, parent club Crystal Palace would be willing to commission a sale for Rak-Sakyi in the transfer window, but their asking price of £15 million is thought to be miles outside of the Addicks’ budget.
The 22-year-old forward was a sensation for Charlton during the 2022/23 League One campaign, scoring 15 goals and providing nine assists.
His performances that term saw him win the club’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards.
However, his huge valuation and the Eagles’ desire to negotiate a permanent sale means that it is extremely unlikely that Charlton acquire the young talent.
Southampton have previously been rumoured to hold an interest in Rak-Sakyi, with the Saints more likely to get close to Palace’s asking price.
The South Coast outfit originally tried to buy the forward before Sheffield United got him on loan last summer, offering a £5 million-plus package for the youngster, according to Alan Nixon.
Although the 22-year-old probably won’t be returning to the Valley this summer, he will still be held in high regard by the Charlton Athletic faithful.
His skillful, direct nature that saw him determined to beat a man and drive at defenders instantly endeared Rak-Sakyi to the club’s fanbase, and his end product made him stand out as one of the Addicks’ great loan deals in recent times.
| Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s 22/23 League One stats for Charlton Athletic (Fotmob) | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 43 |
| Starts | 40 |
| Minutes per game | 3,496′ |
| Goals | 15 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Chances created | 56 |
His ability to capture the club’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards highlights just how important he was to Charlton, and it would’ve been interesting to see what form he could’ve produced for Nathan Jones’ side in the Championship.
The winger made a name for himself during his time at the Valley and proved that he had what it takes to compete above the third-tier.
After failing to make a similar impact with Sheffield United last term, Rak-Sakyi will hope his next move away from Selhurst Park provides him with the opportunity to flourish in the Football League once more.
