Rangers ‘Pushing’ to Sign Crystal Palace Forward in £10m Deal – Report | OneFootball

Rangers Eye Jesurun Rak-Sakyi as Russell Martin Pushes for Summer Coup

Rangers manager Russell Martin is making headlines once again as he pushes to bring Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi to Ibrox this summer. According to a Football Insider report by senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke, Martin is the “driving force” behind Rangers’ pursuit of the 22-year-old, with a loan deal considered the most likely route.

Russell Martin’s Determination to Land Rak-Sakyi

Martin’s admiration for Rak-Sakyi is no secret. As Pete O’Rourke explained, “He tried to sign him for Southampton before he went to Sheffield United on loan last year.” Now at the helm of Rangers, Martin sees the talented winger as a key addition to fill the void left by Vaclav Cerny, who has returned to Wolfsburg after a successful loan.

Sources told Football Insider that while there have been suggestions of a permanent transfer, Palace’s £8-10 million asking price and Rak-Sakyi’s wages make that improbable. Instead, Rangers are exploring a loan deal, with Martin eager to finally secure the player he has long admired.

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Competition from Championship Rivals

It’s not just Rangers in the mix. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown shared with Football Insider that Southampton are “considering opening talks with Crystal Palace” to offer Rak-Sakyi another opportunity in the Championship. Despite an underwhelming loan spell at Sheffield United last season, Rak-Sakyi “did show glimpses,” keeping him on the radar of multiple clubs.

This competition highlights the winger’s enduring reputation. Even after a challenging year, clubs see his raw ability and potential value. Rangers will need to move decisively if they want to win this transfer battle.

Busy Summer at Ibrox

The Rak-Sakyi pursuit is part of a larger reshaping at Rangers under Martin. The club has been active in the transfer market, both bringing players in and preparing for exits. Notably, they are willing to let striker Cyriel Dessers leave, with Brown confirming, “Rangers are planning to sell Cyriel Dessers should new offers arrive.” While a move to AEK Athens had looked likely, talks have stalled, inviting fresh interest from Europe.

Martin’s intent is clear: bolster the squad’s wide options and inject youthful energy. Rak-Sakyi, once tipped as one of Palace’s most exciting academy products, fits the bill perfectly.

Loan Move Makes Sense

For Rangers, a loan makes practical and financial sense. As O’Rourke noted, “I don’t think Rangers can afford to sign Rak-Sakyi on a permanent basis this summer,” but a season-long loan would allow Martin to assess his impact without long-term commitment. For Rak-Sakyi, it’s a chance to prove himself at a club competing for silverware and European football, which could rejuvenate his career after a mixed spell at Sheffield United.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From the perspective of an excited Rangers fan, this potential signing is electric news. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has the kind of pace, flair and directness that has been missing from the wings at Ibrox since Vaclav Cerny’s departure. Fans have seen Martin’s ambition this window, but this move feels like a statement.

Rak-Sakyi might have struggled at Sheffield United, but supporters will point out that he was thrown into a difficult situation at a struggling Premier League side. Under Martin, a manager who clearly believes in him, Rak-Sakyi could thrive. Imagine him pulling on the famous blue shirt, dancing past defenders and lighting up the Old Firm.

Moreover, this deal represents smart business. A loan reduces risk and cost, while giving the player a platform to explode. Fans will also love Martin’s persistence — trying to sign Rak-Sakyi previously and now pushing again shows the manager is not just collecting players, but chasing talents he believes can make a real difference.

The excitement is palpable. This could be one of the signings that defines the season and helps Rangers reclaim domestic dominance while making noise in Europe. Bring it on.