Bittersweet Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Southampton update emerges for QPR, Sunderland and Sheffield United | OneFootball

Championship teams that are interested in Rak-Sakyi have received a boost and suffered a blow at the same time.

Highlights

Crystal Palace have turned down an enquiry from Southampton for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, with the latter keen to take him on a loan-to-buy agreement.

This is according to an update from Sky Sports, who believe the Eagles aren't keen to see the talented winger move to another Premier League club, with the Saints being promoted back to the top level in May.

Russell Martin's side have already made some smart moves ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes returning to the club permanently following their loan stays at St Mary's last year.

Adam Lallana has also returned to the club - and Russell Martin has also added Charlie Taylor, Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood and Yukinari Sugawara to his squad.

With weeks to go until the new season starts, there's still time for the south-coast side to add further additions to their squad, but whether they will be able to do so remains to be seen.

They have suffered a setback in this race though - and that is a blow for Martin who will want to see his wing department strengthened as much as possible following David Brooks and Ryan Fraser's exits following the end of their loan spells.

Blow for Championship teams in Jesurun Rak-Sakyi race

At this stage, Palace are keen to see Rak-Sakyi secure a Championship loan exit, before potentially re-assessing ahead of the 2025/26 season.

It has been reported that 15 of the second tier's 24 teams are interested in him - and this development will come as a boost for them.

Hull City, QPR and Sheffield United are all reported to be keen on the player, as well as Sunderland who could be a real threat with Rak-Sakyi and Jack Clarke on either wing during the 2024/25 season.

Charlton Athletic during the 2022/23 campaign.

Unfortunately for those second-tier teams, the winger is keen to play for the Saints under Martin, according to Sky Sports.

With this in mind, it may be difficult for teams in the second tier to persuade the winger to take the step down, even though he competed in the third tier not so long ago.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi could benefit from a Championship move

There are plenty of clubs that could give Rak-Sakyi plenty of game time.

And at this delicate stage of his career, game time has to come first for the wide player, who won't be able to develop and fulfil his potential if he doesn't secure regular starts.

He may have more of a chance of being one of the first names on the teamsheet at a second-tier club - and it wouldn't be a surprise if he starts regularly at Loftus Road, Bramall Lane and the Stadium of Light.

He could be a particularly good asset to have on Wearside under Regis Le Bris.

Clarke and Rak-Sakyi as a wide duo could cause plenty of teams problems during the 2024/25 campaign, but the Black Cats also need quality in the striker department.