One player convinced Jesurun Rak-Sakyi to snub Celtic and Millwall to join Stoke City | OneFootball

A current Stoke City player played a decisive role in convincing Jesurun Rak-Sakyi to join the Potters this winter

Stoke City have confirmed the capture of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan from Crystal Palace until the end of the season, fending off strong competition to confirm his signature after a long-term pursuit of the winger.

Stoke have strengthened their attacking options with the addition of Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, with the Englishman signing for the Potters on loan on deadline day.

The 23-year-old spent the first half of the campaign on loan in the Turkish top flight with Rizespor, where he scored four and assisted once in 11 league appearances before being recalled this winter.

Rak-Sakyi was joined by Chelsea youngster Afo Ampah to sign for Mark Robins’ side on the final day of the window, and will provide competition to the likes of Sorba Thomas, Lamine Cisse, and Million Manhoef on the wings.

The Potters fended off interest from clubs such as Celtic and Millwall for the signature of Rak-Sakyi, with a current member of Stoke’s ranks convincing the Eagles youth product to make the move to Staffordshire this month.

Bosun Lawal convinced Jesurun Rak-Sakyi to snub Celtic and Millwall for Stoke City switch

Stoke’s capture of Rak-Sakyi has the potential to be season-defining, with Robins’ side well within the hunt for a top six finish this campaign, albeit a recent fall off in form has seen them plummet some way down the table.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2022/23 season on loan with Charlton Athletic in League One, scoring 15 and assisting eight in 43 third-tier appearances, in what was his first full season of professional football.

He’d narrowly miss out on promotion to the Premier League last season whilst on loan with Sheffield United, where he scored seven and assisted two from the right flank for the Blades.

Having beaten strong competition to his signature, Stoke Sentinel’s Pete Smith has revealed that it was a current Potter that convinced Rak-Sakyi to make the move to the bet365 Stadium, namely Bosun Lawal.

Rak-Sakyi said, “Agent Bos. I met him through a friend of a friend in football, and we’ve been friends ever since. He’s a good player.”

Lawal, having spent much of the 2024/25 campaign out with an injury following his move from Celtic, has been one of Stoke’s outstanding performers this season when fit, and will no doubt be relishing the prospect of linking up with Rak-Sakyi on the pitch.

With Stoke sitting just five points off the relegation zone, boss Robins will be cautiously optimistic that his side can rediscover their form and mount a push towards the top six once again.

With just three wins in their last 13 league games, it has been a difficult period for the Potters, who have had to navigate their way through injuries to key players such as Viktor Johansson, Lewis Baker, Divin Mubama, and Junior Tchamadeu, which has ultimately had an affect of results.

Gavin Bazunu, who signed on loan from Southampton in January as a replacement for Johansson, also sustained a thigh injury in training, meaning Tommy Simkin has had to deputise in goal in recent weeks.

It has been far from ideal, though, with numerous sides across the division also suffering injuries; there is no time to complain in this unforgiving league, and Robins will know that more than almost anyone.

He will be hoping Rak-Sakyi’s addition can provide a spark that is currently missing in their attack, with Sorba Thomas’ form having tailed off as of late.