Celtic Back In The Race For This Premier League Attacker: Why The Hoops Must Show Ambition Here

If a recent transfer update from CeltsAreHere (as cited by The Scottish Sun) is believed to be true, Celtic have approached Crystal Palace over a January move for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. The attacking ace was loaned out to Turkish outfit Çaykur Rizespor back in the summer, but the Eagles might recall him this month, with Swansea City and Stoke City also keeping close tabs on the youngster.

The Hoops, who hold a long-term interest in the Englishman, are eyeing a loan with an option to buy by the end of the campaign. But the Premier League side would rather consider an obligation clause, having set a valuation of around £8m for their in-demand winger.

Situation At Selhurst Park

The 23-year-old former England youth international progressed through the esteemed ranks of Chelsea before joining Palace’s academy. Although he struggled for minutes at Selhurst Park, his flair and finesse down the flanks grabbed the attention of many while on loan in the lower divisions with Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United.

Both Celtic and Rangers were actively pursuing a deal in the summer. However, a move to Glasgow did not materialise, and the South London outfit eventually sanctioned his Super Lig switch, as the Turkish window was still open in mid-September. Rak-Sakyi has maintained his excellence, with 4 goals and an assist in 11 league appearances for The Black Sea Sparrowhawk [stats via Transfermarket].

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 12: Jesurun Rak-Sakyi of Sheffield United FC celebrates with team mates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Middlesbrough FC at on February 12, 2025, in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Crystal Palace were on the rise under Oliver Glasner, but the club’s decision to let Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi depart in back-to-back windows has frustrated the gaffer. The Austrian made a public outburst during his recent press conference, yet chairman Steve Parish wants him to stay and see out his contract for the rest of the season.

Why Celtic Must Snap Up The Palace Prospect

Glasner has Ismaila Sarr and Brennan Johnson, who are the preferred names down the right. He does not fancy Rak-Sakyi in his plans, but the young forward should do well north of the border with his dribbles, directness, cut-insides and crosses using his stronger left foot as an inverted winger.

Celtic earned a hefty fee from Nicholas Kuhn’s move to Como, but failed to bring in a like-for-like replacement on the right-hand flank. Both Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha are comfortable down the other wing, thus leaving James Forrest and Yang Hyun-jun as the only options available for selection amid Jota’s long-term injury absence.

While Yang has vastly improved of late, Forrest, in his mid-thirties, is no longer considered a first-team regular. The Palace prodigy would be an assured starter at Parkhead, but the champions of Scotland must show some ambition to get the deal over the line before it gets too late.