Southampton keen on Crystal Palace transfer raid after missing out on 2024 deal | OneFootball

Southampton are looking to sign Jesurun Rak-Sakyi from Crystal Palace after failing last summer

Southampton are looking to bolster their attack ahead of next season and have once again targeted Crystal Palace youngster Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

Journalist Alan Nixon has revealed via Patreon that the Saints are eyeing up a move for the 22-year-old, who has scored seven times in 22 Championship starts for Sheffield United this term.

Last summer, Southampton failed in their pursuit to win Rak-Sakyi’s signature, despite offering a package of £5 million plus extras, as reported by Nixon.

In the end, Palace agreed a loan deal with the Blades and the deal seemed dead in the water.

Now, following the Saints’ relegation to the second tier, the club have decided to pursue the forward once more and this time, will hope to get the move over the line.

Southampton targeting Jesurun Rak-Sakyi to bolster attacking options

One thing is for certain regarding this whole saga – Southampton are extremely fond of Rak-Sakyi.

Through different management and recruitment teams, the Saints have stayed firm on their stance of wanting to recruit the forward and make him a key part of their team.

Perhaps the baptism of fire of Southampton’s dismal Premier League campaign was a bullet dodged by Rak-Sakyi, but with the Saints expected to be infinitely more competitive back in the second-tier, a move might make a lot more sense for both parties the second time around.

The South Coast side have flattered to deceive this season, ultimately making up the numbers in a campaign that will see the team deemed one of the division’s worst ever.

Paul Onuachu heads the club’s goalscoring charts, netting on four occasions, a shocking indictment of the Saints’ season.

As a result, Southampton desperately need some new blood in attacking areas.

Rak-Sakyi would definitely provide a spark up front, enjoying a positive creative influence in a Sheffield United side that came desperately close to achieving automatic promotion.

The forward has completed 2.44 successful dribbles per 90 minutes this term, according to Fotmob, highlighting his eagerness to beat a man and create chances out of nothing.

Spending the 2022/23 season with Charlton Athletic in League One, the 22-year-old recorded 24 goal contributions in all competitions, underlining the impressive output he is capable of producing.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi would be exciting signing for Southampton - Crystal Palace may now consider a sale

There’s no doubt that signing Rak-Sakyi would improve Southampton’s situation in the Championship, but it’s still unclear whether the forward is as enthusiastic about the deal as the Saints.

Injury woes have somewhat curtailed the attacker’s overall impact at Bramall Lane this year, but when fit, Rak-Sakyi has been a capable operator for the Blades, although he still might not be ready for the top flight just yet.

As a result, United may move on to other targets, especially as he hasn't always started in the final few months of the season, with Ben Brereton Diaz preferred on the right.

Another year in the second-tier with a team that is expected to challenge for promotion could further aid the winger’s development and prove to be a better option in the long run, although time may be running out for him to become a first-team option at Palace, given he will turn 23 in October.

It may be second time lucky for Southampton in their pursuit of Rak-Sakyi and if successful, would pull off a real coup that could pay dividends in forthcoming years - Palace may now be open to such a permanent transfer with a sell-on clause added, should he be a success.