Charlton Athletic are on the verge of signing Crystal Palace forward Jesurun Rak-Sakyi in a permanent transfer. The deal, reported by The Athletic this week, is expected to be worth more than £4 million for the 23-year-old.
Rak-Sakyi is a familiar face at The Valley, having enjoyed a stellar loan spell with the Addicks during the 2022-23 League One campaign. He was named the club's player of the year after scoring 15 goals in 49 appearances. His potential return arrives as Charlton sit third in the Championship with six points from two wins, having scored four goals and conceded two. Top scorer Tyreece Anthony Tupac Shakur Campbell has netted twice.
Why is Rak-Sakyi leaving Crystal Palace?
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has struggled to establish himself at Selhurst Park since signing a five-year contract in 2022. After his successful Charlton loan, he made just eight first-team appearances for Palace the following season and was denied a temporary move away. The club then sought a fee closer to £20 million for him last summer, referencing the Omari Hutchinson deal, and rejected an offer from Rangers that could have reached £10 million. With one year left on his deal and not in Palace's plans this season, a sale makes sense. Palace are also looking to move on younger players with limited prospects to help comply with UEFA's Squad Cost Ratio as they compete in the Europa League.
What has his career been like since leaving Charlton?
Rak-Sakyi's path since his Charlton heroics has involved several loans. He played 36 times for Sheffield United in the Championship during the 2024-25 season, scoring seven goals. Last season, he was initially loaned to Turkish side Caykur Rizespor, where he scored four times in 13 games, before moving to Stoke City in January for a further 16 appearances. Despite being capped by England at Under-20 and Under-21 level, he has not done enough to force his way into Palace's squad.
Who else is leaving Crystal Palace this summer?
The potential Rak-Sakyi sale is part of a broader clear-out of young talent at Palace. Earlier this summer, 19-year-old right wing-back Danny Imray was sold to Wrexham for a fee that could rise above £5 million. Another 19-year-old, centre-back Mofe Jemide, has joined Portuguese side Alverca. There is also interest in a permanent move for 21-year-old midfielder David Ozoh, who is Palace's second-youngest Premier League player. Forward Romain Esse had been nearing a move to Club Brugge, though that deal remains incomplete, while midfielder Justin Devenny, with 60 club appearances, would be allowed to leave with sufficient interest.
Where would Rak-Sakyi fit in the current Charlton squad?
A return to The Valley would see Rak-Sakyi bolster Charlton's attacking options as they aim to maintain a strong start to the season. Manager Nathan Jones will be looking to integrate the winger quickly, with his knowledge of the club a significant advantage. Charlton's next test is a home match against 20th-placed Preston North End on 29 August, a game you can preview on our fixtures page. The club's positive early form, detailed on our standings page, provides an encouraging platform for a new signing to make an immediate impact.
