Exclusive: Stoke City Make Move to Sign Crystal Palace Star After Deal Collapses

Stoke City have launched a late bid to sign Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi after his proposed loan deal to Swansea City dramatically collapsed. The 23-year-old, highly rated for his pace and dribbling ability, had reached advanced terms with Swansea and Crystal Palace, but the Championship side pulled the plug at the eleventh hour, leaving Rak-Sakyi available for other suitors.

Football Insider sources understand Stoke, under manager Steven Schumacher, view Rak-Sakyi as the perfect addition to bolster their promotion push. The Potters sit comfortably in the top half of the Championship table, with recent wins over Hull City and Norwich City fueling ambitions for a Premier League return in 2026. Rak-Sakyi's versatility on the flanks could provide crucial depth amid Stoke's injury concerns.

The collapse of Swansea's deal mirrors broader turbulence at Crystal Palace. The Eagles are navigating a nightmare transfer window, exacerbated by the failure of Igor Julio's move from Brighton, which has stalled plans to replace departing defender Marc Guehi. Manchester City have agreed an initial £20m fee for Guehi, complete with a sell-on clause, pushing Palace head coach Oliver Glasner to confirm the star "is in the final stages" of a transfer and will miss upcoming games. Inexperienced duo Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne have filled the void, highlighting defensive frailties.

Palace's squad is stretched thin by UEFA Conference League commitments and other exits. Midfielder Jefferson Lerma's contract talks appear unlikely, with Turkish clubs like Besiktas circling as his deal nears its June 2026 end. Meanwhile, interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta from Juventus adds to the chaos.

Stoke hope to capitalize swiftly, with negotiations ongoing. Rak-Sakyi, who impressed on loan at Charlton previously, could debut soon if terms are finalized before the window shuts. This move underscores Stoke's aggressive January strategy amid Championship rivals' pursuits.

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