Crystal Palace have finalised an exit agreement for a player recently linked with Celtic, as the club's stance on signing a new defender comes to light amid a busy transfer deadline day.
Rak-Sakyi heads to Stoke on loan deal
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, the winger who had attracted interest from Celtic and Swansea City, is now set to join Stoke City on a loan arrangement. According to Sky Sports, this move does not include any obligation or option to buy, marking a temporary switch for the young talent.
Rak-Sakyi has limited first-team experience at Palace, with only eight league appearances to his name. However, he has gained valuable match time through loan spells at clubs such as Charlton Athletic, Sheffield United, and most recently, Çaykur Rizespor in the first half of this season. After returning in January, the former England under-21s international is poised for another stint in the Championship, where Stoke City currently sit 12th and are in contention for playoff spots.
Palace's transfer window dynamics
Crystal Palace are navigating a challenging transfer deadline day, aiming to avoid emerging significantly weaker than they started. The departure of club captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City has left a notable gap in their squad, and there is potential for star striker Jean-Phlippe Mateta to also exit before the window closes.
In response, Palace are actively seeking reinforcements. They are hopeful of securing Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves in a deal valued at over £40 million to replace Mateta. This potential signing underscores the club's efforts to bolster their attacking options amidst ongoing changes.
Defender search on the radar
With Guehi's exit, Crystal Palace are reportedly open to signing a new centre-back before the 7pm deadline, should a suitable opportunity arise. Sky Sports indicate that the club faces a tight race against time to identify and secure a defender, adding urgency to their transfer activities.
Links to players like Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge have diminished, and the return of Chadi Riad has somewhat alleviated the immediate need for defensive reinforcements. Interestingly, Igor Julio, who was targeted by Palace on loan from Brighton during the summer window, is available again after his loan spell with West Ham was cut short due to limited usage. This development could present a viable option for Palace as they assess their defensive options in the final hours of the transfer window.
Overall, Crystal Palace's deadline day is shaping up to be eventful, with exits and potential signings reflecting their strategic adjustments to maintain squad strength and competitiveness in the Premier League.
