Rak-Sakyi Seals Surprise Loan Move to Turkey After Crystal Palace Exit
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, once a key target for Sunderland, has made a surprise move abroad after leaving Crystal Palace on loan. The talented winger has joined Turkish top-flight side Çaykur Rizespor in a deal that will run until the end of the 2025–26 season, pending final international clearance.
This move marks the first time Rak-Sakyi will play outside of England, and comes after Palace opted not to include him in their first-team plans for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Palace Prospect Heads Abroad in Search of First-Team Football
At just 22, Rak-Sakyi has already experienced a winding career journey filled with promise and potential. Initially a standout performer in Chelsea’s academy, he switched to Crystal Palace in 2019, where he quickly made an impression in the Eagles’ youth setup. By August 2021, he had broken into the first team, making his senior debut as a substitute in a Premier League clash against his former club, Chelsea.
Later that season, he made his full debut in a notable 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Selhurst Park—highlighting his ability to rise to big occasions.
Despite his promising talent, consistent first-team opportunities at Palace have proven hard to come by, particularly under current head coach Oliver Glasner, who has preferred more experienced options on the wings. With limited minutes expected this season, Rak-Sakyi’s move to Turkey could provide him with the regular playing time he needs to continue developing.
Sunderland Interest That Never Materialised
Rak-Sakyi had previously been heavily linked with a move to Sunderland during one of the Black Cats’ recent Championship transfer windows. The club was said to be tracking his progress for some time, viewing him as a potential long-term addition to their exciting crop of young, attacking players.
However, despite the links and interest, a deal never came to fruition. Sunderland instead looked elsewhere, while Rak-Sakyi went on to gain experience through domestic loan spells—first in League One and then in the Championship.
Breakthrough Spell at Charlton and Championship Rise
The winger’s most notable spell came during the 2022–23 season when he joined Charlton Athletic on loan. There, Rak-Sakyi truly flourished, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 43 appearances. His dynamic attacking play made him a fan favorite at The Valley, where he was eventually named Supporters’ Player of the Year, securing nearly 50% of the vote.
Building on that momentum, he stepped up to the Championship last season with Sheffield United. Rak-Sakyi featured 36 times, contributing seven goals and playing an important role in the Blades’ promotion push. Unfortunately, Sheffield United fell just short of a Premier League return, losing in the play-offs to—ironically—Sunderland, who sealed a long-awaited promotion back to the top flight.
Turning Point: Palace Decide on Foreign Move
Upon returning to Crystal Palace this summer, Rak-Sakyi’s future was the subject of renewed speculation. With several Championship and even some lower-tier Premier League clubs reportedly circling, a permanent departure seemed on the cards. Yet Palace chose a different route, sending the winger abroad for the first time in his career.
Çaykur Rizespor, who finished ninth in the Turkish Super League last season, see Rak-Sakyi as a key attacking addition who can help them climb further up the table. The club is aiming to break into the top half and possibly push for a European place, and Rak-Sakyi is expected to feature heavily in their plans.
International Credentials: England Youth Star with Ghanaian Roots
On the international stage, Rak-Sakyi remains a player with dual eligibility. Though born in England and of Ghanaian descent, he has so far chosen to represent the Three Lions at youth level. He made an instant impact on his England Under-20 debut in 2021, scoring against Romania, and later progressed to the Under-21s, making his debut in a friendly against Spain in November 2024.
While Ghana may yet revisit their interest in securing his services for the senior national team, Rak-Sakyi appears committed to continuing his development within the England setup for now.
A Fresh Challenge in Turkey
The move to Rizespor represents a fresh chapter for Rak-Sakyi—a chance to prove himself in a different footballing environment, away from the intense scrutiny of English football. With guaranteed minutes and the opportunity to test himself in a European top division, the loan could be pivotal in shaping the next stage of his career.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have publicly extended their best wishes to the young winger, with hopes that he will return to Selhurst Park a more polished and experienced player.
Although Sunderland once considered him a strong candidate to bolster their squad, Rak-Sakyi’s journey has taken a different route—one that now leads through the Turkish Super League.