Sheffield United had a busy summer transfer window with a whole host of new players coming through the doors as Chris Wilder sought to rebuild the ranks.
A whole host of players moved on at the end of their contracts following relegation from the Premier League. Thankfully, many of the star men still on the books stayed put despite interest from elsewhere.
There were some eye-catching signings made and among them was winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
After a fairly slow start, the Sheffield United loan man is starting to show signs of why he was highly sought-after, netting a brace in the win over Luton Town and providing his first assist in the victory against Stoke City at the weekend.
His goal and assist return to date might not have fans concerned about an early January recall but Crystal Palace’s struggles out wide could cause a rethink. However, transfer insider Mick Brown is confident Rak-Sakyi will see out the full year with the Blades.
Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Manchester United and Spurs scout Brown said the Eagles have been watching him closely but despite the recall option, he expects Rak-Sakyi to stay beyond January. He said:
“Crystal Palace have been monitoring him closely.
He was sent to Sheffield United because he wasn’t going to be playing every week at Selhurst Park, and that’s still the case now. But Palace have had issues in his position, they’ve tried several players there and none of them have pulled up any trees so far.
“There’s been some consideration about whether they should recall him. They inserted that option to recall him for a reason – that was something they insisted on in the deal.
“As things stand, I’d expect him to stay at Sheffield United for the rest of the season.”
Concerns or thoughts about loan players being recalled by parent clubs are not exclusive to Sheffield United or Rak-Sakyi in particular.
There will be EFL clubs up and down the ladder hoping they are able to retain their loan stars for the full campaign. That will especially be the case for the Blades if Rak-Sakyi can really find consistent form and start to notch up more goals and assists.
The concern may be higher at Bramall Lane due to the concerning lack of depth out wide.
Rak-Sakyi is one of few natural options on the wings with Gustavo Hamer filling in on the left.
With Rak-Sakyi finding a bit more success on the Sheffield United right, he’ll be out to show he can register consistent contributions going forward after starring in League One and at youth level.
Next up is a stiff test though as the Blades travel west to face Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
John Eustace’s side are yet to lose on their own path and sit 6th. Rak-Sakyi will face one of Owen Beck or Harry Pickering at left-back, with the former impressing on loan away from Liverpool while the latter has been a consistent and reliable presence in defence.
