Who is Jesurun Rak-Sakyi? QPR 'chase loan deal' for Crystal Palace starlet as Sheffield United and rivals circle

QPR are already off to a flyer in the summer transfer window, with Marti Cifuentes wasting no time improving his squad this summer. Eight new players have already penned terms with the R’s, and seven of them didn’t cost the club anything in transfer fees, with Cifuentes making full use of the free agent market.

The Hoops are unlikely to be done there, though, keen to improve significantly on a difficult season of last and to put any threat of relegation firmly behind them. One of the latest players to be linked is Crystal Palace man Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. Here we round up what you need to know.

Rak-Sakyi to QPR links

Alan Nixon has claimed on his Patreon page that there is interest aplenty in the Crystal Palace youngster. It’s claimed QPR are interested in a loan deal to land the Eagles starlet, but they are joined by Sheffield United, Luton Town and Blackburn Rovers.

The Blades and the Hatters likely have the advantage based on their chances of competing for promotion next season, but QPR will have the geographical advantage if Palace want to keep a close eye on Rak-Sakyi during his loan spell.

Who is Jesurun Rak-Sakyi?

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is a 21-year-old attacker who currently plays for Crystal Palace. He was originally signed as a youngster by Chelsea, representing the Blues academy until 2019, when he joined Palace, graduating to the first team two years later.

Rak -Sakyi spent the 2022/23 season on loan with Charlton Athletic, making 43 league appearances and scoring an impressive 15 goals. He can play either as a winger or as a forward and has been used in both roles during his young career.

The attacker has racked up eight Palace first team appearances so far, but despite featuring in first team plans early last season, he saw his campaign scuppered by injury. With palace trending upwards under Oliver Glasner, it’s now expected Rak-Sakyi will be sent out on loan to allow him to continue his development with regular starts.

Playing style

Rak-Sakyi has said of his game previously: "I like to say I'm really direct, I like to take players on, create chances, score goals and get assists. I like to entertain the fans and I enjoy being on the pitch." He added: "I'm just trying to improve every time and get as many games as I can. I want to get goals, assists and just help the team as much as I can."

Speaking about his successful loan spell with Charlton, the forward said: “Coming from a Premier League club, there's a lot of expectation for you to perform week-in, week-out, for the fans, so I think that was one of the hardest things: just to be consistent every game. It was really good last year. I had a lot of support from my family, my friends, and my coaches, so I'm very grateful for that."

Former Palace teammate Jordan Ayew said of Rak-Sakyi: “Jes is a very good player. He’s a future talent and did well at Charlton [on loan last season]. David is a good young player. I’m happy for them that they’re having opportunities now – it’s for them to seize them.”