Portsmouth plotting ambitious move for Crystal Palace starlet | OneFootball

According to The News, the League One champions are building their plans for life back in the Championship, with Pompey targeting the addition of a new winger in the summer.

This has led them to the potential pursuit of Rak-Sakyi, who spent time on loan with Charlton Athletic in the previous campaign.

He has struggled for game time with Palace this season, featuring just six times in the Premier League, with all of those appearances coming from the bench.

Portsmouth’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi interest

Rak-Sakyi has come through the ranks of the Palace academy system, but has been unable to cement himself as a key part of their first team squad.

The 21-year-old’s last appearance for the Eagles came in October, coming off the bench in a 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

This has led to speculation over his future going into the summer, with Portsmouth set to be one of many possible suitors.

The south coast club is not optimistic about signing the Palace forward, but he is seen as the ideal candidate to improve their attacking options.

Mousinho reportedly sees the youngster as a Championship calibre player that can help his team prepare for competing in the second division.

A number of clubs showed an interest in signing the player last summer after he returned from his loan spell at Charlton, such as Hull City, Sunderland and Leicester City.

However, he remained at Selhurst Park to fight for his place in Roy Hodgson’s team.

Oliver Glasner has since replaced Hodgson, but has yet to offer the winger a chance to impress at senior level.

The future of Michael Olise could play a pivotal role in determining Rak-Sakyi’s future, as the forward is ahead of the 21-year-old in the pecking order of the Premier League side.

However, Olise has been linked with a move away from the London club this summer, which could open the door for Rak-Sakyi to move up Glasner’s first team plans.

Portsmouth’s Championship return

Portsmouth are preparing for life back in the second division, having clinched the League One title.

This will mark the club’s return to the second tier, having last competed in the Championship in 2012.

Mousinho’s side earned an impressive 97 points to finish ahead of Derby County by five points.

Bolton Wanderers finished a further five points behind in third, with Pompey sealing an automatic promotion place with multiple games spare.

Rak-Sakyi would be an exciting signing for Portsmouth

While it’s been a difficult year for Rak-Sakyi, he could still have a great impact for a Championship side next season.

He was very impressive in League One with an otherwise mid-table Charlton team, contributing 15 goals and eight assists.

He is ready to compete at a second division level, and it would be no surprise if he did go out on loan in the summer, even if Olise leaves.

But Pompey will have stiff competition in the race to his signature, which will be a real test of their willingness to spend to fight in the Championship.