Stoke City Complete Late Deadline Day Capture of Crystal Palace Forward
In a dramatic conclusion to the January transfer window, Championship club Stoke City have secured the loan signing of Crystal Palace forward Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. The deal was finalised and announced just one hour before the deadline on Monday evening, marking a significant coup for The Potters as they bolster their attacking options for the remainder of the season.
Rak-Sakyi's Journey to the Bet365 Stadium
The 23-year-old winger, a product of Crystal Palace's academy system, has been seeking regular first-team football after a season on loan at Turkish Süper Lig side Caykur Rizespor. Despite being recalled by Palace in January, Rak-Sakyi has found opportunities limited at Selhurst Park, having made only 10 senior appearances for the Eagles without scoring.
His previous loan spells in English football have shown promise, with productive periods at Charlton Athletic during the 2022/23 campaign and at Sheffield United in the following season. It was during his time with the Blades in the Championship that Rak-Sakyi demonstrated his potential as an exciting forward talent.
Stoke's Strategic Acquisition
Stoke City's Sporting Director, Jonathan Walters, expressed his delight at securing the signature of what he described as a "highly sought-after" player. "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," Walters stated.
He continued: "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."
The loan agreement will see Rak-Sakyi remain at the Bet365 Stadium until the conclusion of the 2025/26 Championship season, providing Stoke with additional firepower as they push for improved league positioning.
Player's Enthusiasm for New Challenge
Rak-Sakyi himself appeared enthusiastic about the move, telling club media: "I'm delighted to finally become a Stoke City player and grateful to have this platform to play at such a big club with great ambitions. The club is in a good position, and we want to strive for more."
The forward added: "I know the potential that I have and with the right support system around me and the right club like Stoke City, I believe I can showcase what I can do and help the team."
Competition for Signature
Stoke City emerged as frontrunners for the Palace academy graduate over the weekend, though Rak-Sakyi had attracted interest from several other clubs during the January window. Scottish champions Celtic and Championship rivals Swansea City had both been linked with the player earlier in the month.
Reports had suggested that Swansea City had even agreed a deal to sign the forward, but the move reportedly collapsed with Rak-Sakyi unconvinced about relocating to South Wales. Coventry City had also shown interest but ultimately secured a different Crystal Palace player, signing Romain Esse on loan instead.
This transfer represents a significant opportunity for Rak-Sakyi to establish himself in English football at a club with Championship pedigree, while providing Stoke City with additional attacking versatility as they approach the crucial final months of the season.
