Sheffield United announce signing of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan from Crystal Palace

Sheffield United have bolstered attacking options with the capture of an exciting Premier League prospect Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

United have fought strong competition from the top-flight and Championship to secure the services of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace.

Rak-Sakyi becomes United’s tenth signing of the summer months, joining Sam McCallum, Jamie Shackleton, Kieffer Moore, Callum O’Hare, Harrison Burrows, Alfie Gilchrist, Harry Souttar, Tyrese Campbell and Michael Cooper at S2.

Boss Chris Wilder is understandably delighted to be adding further options and depth to his squad, remarking: “This deal was particularly pleasing to get over the line just because of the nature of the interest in Jesurun.

“His loan spell at Charlton really put him on the map and last season he enjoyed some Premier League experience, so with that in mind, he was always going to command interest. I’d like to thank Dougie Freedman and everyone at Palace for trusting us with the next stage of Jes’s development. I’ve also got to mention our old mate Dean Henderson, who gave Jes a glowing reference of what we’re about here.

“Many will have seen the speculation in the media over the last month, and some of the clubs linked, including ones in the Premier League, so I am really pleased that the lad has decided to come here.

“He’s still young, and has lots to learn, but he has real talent and he’s someone who has the ability to get the punters off their seats. Again, like some of the other players we’ve taken this summer, he’s someone we’ll enjoy working with.”

Having started in the youth ranks at Chelsea, Rak-Sakyi joined Crystal Palace in 2019 and made a first-team matchday squad in April 2021, shortly before penning his first professional contract.

The London-born operator made his Premier League debut against Chelsea at the beginning of the 2021-22 campaign and having featured in the Football League Trophy, he ended the campaign by making his first top-flight start in the win over Manchester United at Selhurst Park.

A season-long loan switch to Charlton Athletic was agreed for the duration of the 2022-23 campaign and it was during this spell that Rak-Sakyi announced himself in the EFL scoring 15 goals and creating a further eight in 49 appearances for the Addicks in all competitions, a contribution that saw him win the Player of the Year award.

Last term Rak-Sakyi remained in and around the first team in the capital and made eight appearances for Palace, with the majority of those coming in the Premier League.

On signing for the Blades, Rak-Sakyi commented: “The plan that the gaffer had for me when we spoke was good to hear, that was why I decided to come. It was my first choice, I didn’t take in the outside noise, when I spoke to the gaffer I knew it was the right place for me.

“I want to play more football, this is about me getting out and playing as many games as I can. The fans will see me work hard for the team, I’m a player who likes to express myself, get on the ball and make things happen.”