Sheffield United beat Leeds United to Rak-Sakyi signing as ‘eye catching’ deal close
Leeds United have been beaten to the signing of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi after Sheffield United paid his seven-figure loan fee, according to Alan Nixon.
The Sun journalist reported on his Patreon (7 August) that while the Whites were one of several clubs willing to pay the £1million-plus loan fee to Crystal Palace, Rak-Sakyi will be heading to Bramall Lane.
The “attraction and funding” from Sheffield United was reportedly the difference-maker in Palace allowing Rak-Sakyi to move to South Yorkshire, having already agreed a wage deal with the winger.
Hull City, QPR and Watford were among the other clubs who, like the Peacocks, were keen on bringing in Rak-Sakyi [Sky Sports, 1 August], but they may now all have to face the 21-year-old in the Championship this season.
Leeds United must move on from Jesurun Rak-Sakyi transfer
Given the widespread interest in him amongst clubs in England’s second tier, several sides were always likely to be disappointed regardless of where Rak-Sakyi ended up heading this summer.
The Whites signing Jayden Bogle from Sheffield United last month was seen as a coup – one club strengthening at the direct cost of a promotion rival [Graham Smyth, 18 July] – and Rak-Sakyi’s loan can be seen in the same way.
Rak-Sakyi may prove to be a revelation in the Championship, but he is yet to play at this level, and that could in turn be a let-off as the Whites chase a much more established alternative.
Crysencio Summerville was the second tier’s best player last season, and while replacing him after his big-money move to West Ham was never going to be easy, Daniel Farke has an able transfer in mind.
Unlike Rak-Sakyi, Norwich’s Jonathan Rowe has two years of Championship experience under his belt – scoring 12 goals in 32 matches last season – and has been the subject of a £7m bid from Elland Road [John Percy, 5 August].
Only older by a few months and with a strong track record at this level, Rowe could end up costing 10 times what Sheffield United pay for Rak-Sakyi – but the impact he makes in the White shirt could be the difference between staying in this division and escaping it.
In other Leeds news, the club are confident that civil disruption in the UK will not affect their opening-day clash with Portsmouth.
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