Crystal Palace loanee Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has enjoyed a fruitful spell with the Addicks this campaign, guiding Dean Holden’s side to a potential top-ten finish depending on Charlton’s result on the weekend’s final day.
The 20-year-old signed for the South London outfit on a season-long loan and has been one of the league’s most exciting players this term, claiming 15 goals and nine assists in his debut season of men’s football.
Before signing on in SE7, Rak-Sakyi enjoyed an incredible season in the Premier League 2 division with the Crystal Palace U23s last year, etching his name onto the golden boot trophy with 18 goals and providing six assists.
Hailing from Southwark, Jesurun joined the Eagles’ academy in 2019, where he departed the famed Chelsea academy. Making the switch to Selhurst Park, Rak-Sakyi signed a five-year deal with Crystal Palace after impressing in the academy at the beginning of the season. His talent was recognised as he was given his First Team debut in a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Premier League in May last year.
Debut Delight
Just five days after putting pen-to-paper with Charlton, Rak-Sakyi set the world alight, netting his first goal in Charlton colours in a 5-1 thrashing over current league leaders Plymouth Argyle. Addicks took to social media in awe of the versatile forward following the triumph, singing the praise of the youngster as he tapped in from close range to open the scoring.
A tricky winger able to cut in from the flanks, something Charlton have been crying out for the past few campaigns, he was the real deal. He told Charlton Athletic Media, “I’d like to say I’m really direct, I like to take players on, create chances, score goals and get assists. I like to entertain the fans and I enjoy being on the pitch.”
The tantalizing trickster would continue this impressive run of form, claiming two goals and two assists in his opening six games, including an all-important goal away to Wycombe last August.
High Demand
He told Charlton at the start of the season, “There were a lot of clubs interested but I chose Charlton because it’s close to home, the fans are really good, the club has a big history, and it gives a platform for young players to express themselves.”
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of former Premier League loanees Conor Gallagher, Josh Cullen and Krystian Bielik. The winger lived up to his potential and became a standout performer for Charlton in a somewhat dull season, a player who consistently got the crowd out of their seats.
Due to his stellar performances throughout the season, rumours started to spread in the January transfer window, with Championship clubs such as Addicks’ rivals, Millwall declaring an interest, hoping to poach him and bolster their playoff push.
As the curtain draws on the 2022/23 campaign, fans expect the left-footed forward to return to the Premier League side next season and fight for a potential place within the First Team squad. Certainly, a no-brainer for Championship sides to be pursuing a deal for the winger throughout the summer.
International Experience
Despite being eligible to represent Ghana through his parents, Rak-Sakyi received his first England call-up at the U20 level in September 2021, replacing Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, who was ruled out through injury. Upon his arrival with the squad at St. George’s Park, he received his dream debut, netting his first international goal in a 6-1 win over Romania.
Persistent Plaudits
Of course, Rak-Sakyi’s contributions in SE7 have not gone unnoticed; he was nominated for League One’s Young Player of the Year award alongside Plymouth’s Bali Mumba and Ipswich’s Cameron Humphreys.
In addition to this, he did the double at Charlton’s official Player of the Year award ceremony, picking up both the Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Year awards, finishing ahead of club captain and last year’s winner, George Dobson.
After scooping the awards, he stated: “The fans’ support is very special. Every time I step onto the pitch, they’ve got my back and having them there singing my name just gives me an extra confidence boost.
“I just wanted to come here and get as much game time as possible but then I ended up playing, near enough, every game of the season and I’ve just really enjoyed every minute.”
All Images and Quotes: Charlton Athletic Media