Sheffield United loan star emerges as early Southampton transfer target
However, having finished far ahead of the rest of the play-off sides, the Blades will be hopeful of securing their place in the Premier League yet. They ended 14 points clear of Sunderland in 4th and a hefty 22 ahead of upcoming play-off semi-final opponents Bristol City.
Nonetheless, there will be some with eyes on what the summer transfer window could hold at Bramall Lane, with loan man Jesurun Rak-Sakyi among those set to bid farewell to the Steel City club.
Now, as per a report from The Sun, Championship-bound Southampton are keen on signing the 22-year-old winger once his Sheffield United stint comes to a close.
The Saints tried to sign Rak-Sakyi last summer and thought they had a £5m permanent deal wrapped up with Crystal Palace before his SUFC loan. They are now considering another move for the talented winger though as he nears his Selhurst Park return upon the conclusion of his Blades stay.
Rak-Sakyi’s first Championship campaign
Rak-Sakyi burst onto the scene in the 2022/23 season as he starred on loan in League One with Charlton Athletic. Many thought the following campaign would offer a step up to the Championship, but he remained with Crystal Palace and found opportunities hard to come by.
A Championship loan was sanctioned last summer though, linking up with promotion hopefuls Sheffield United.
Rak-Sakyi has since found regular opportunities with SUFC, chipping in with seven goals and two assists in 35 games across all competitions. He had the starting spot on the right-wing locked down before injury and after increased competition for places was added in January, starts have been a little less regular.
Nonetheless, he has still played 13 times since returning, scoring three times. While perhaps not as potent as he was in League One, Rak-Sakyi has still proven a solid loan player for the Blades.
Could Sheffield United eye a reunion?
Permanent transfer questions are often raised towards the end of a loan player’s stay and the same will be expected for Rak-Sakyi and Sheffield United.
However, while proving a solid option on the right, the Palace loanee perhaps hasn’t pulled up enough trees to be a concrete target. Rak-Sakyi could be a sound addition for both the present and long-term as a bright prospect but you have to think it would have to be at the right price for SUFC.
Perhaps another loan isn’t out of the question if the Blades aren’t promoted, but if they are to make another move, they may well be in for competition from Southampton for his services.
