Southampton ‘look likely to beat Portsmouth’ to Crystal Palace transfer
Portsmouth kept a close eye on Crystal Palace’s Jesrun Rak-Sakyi in last summer’s transfer window.
As the summer looms, Portsmouth need to secure multiple signings in an attempt to bring success to Fratton Park next season.
It already looks challenging for John Mousinho with Freddie Potts and Rob Atkinson returning to their parent clubs after successful loan spells.
Speculation has also arisen over Mousinho, with teams such as West Brom reportedly admiring Portsmouth’s Championship survival in their first season back.
Crystal Palace winger Rak-Sakyi was previously linked to Pompey [The News] as a potential attacking threat to add to Mousinho’s side.
Southampton more likely to sign Portsmouth target
Rak-Sakyi had a successful loan spell at Sheffield, contributing to their journey to reach the play-off final this weekend.
However, the 22-year-old’s future hangs in the balance as Crystal Palace’s transfer of 20-year-old Romain Esse from Millwall in January reduces Rak-Sakyi’s chances of making first-team appearances.
Speaking to News Shopper (29 November), Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, reflected on Rak-Sakyi’s future in the squad: “If a player wants to leave, then it’s better to allow it. If a player doesn’t want to be here, it makes no sense to put chains over his arms.
“He has to integrate into the way we are playing. If he does, the door is open. If he doesn’t, the door is closed.”
According to the News Shopper on 21 May, the Eagles are now willing to listen to offers for the winger.
Rak-Sakyi was linked to Portsmouth last summer, alongside Leeds and Southampton, in the race to agree a loan deal.
Despite the interest from Portsmouth just under a year ago, south coast rivals Southampton remain heavily linked with a deal.
Portsmouth need fresh attacking talent
While Rak-Sakyi is no longer on Portsmouth’s radar, his position is an area Portsmouth need to strengthen in the upcoming window.
Mousinho wants a new number 10 as well as a winger and striker to help build the attack for next season.
Fellow Palace youth player Hindolo Mustapha was previously thought to be making a journey to Fratton Park this summer on a potential loan deal.
Mustapha’s raw talent would also have been a perfect addition to the squad to help Portsmouth remain in the Championship.
However, this has also died out despite Mousinho watching the midfielder closely.
Another midfielder who could make a return to Portsmouth is former Pompey academy player John Swift, after being released by West Brom.
Swift could be brought in on a free, bringing with him valuable experience as he regularly started for West Brom this season.
Moving forward, Mousinho needs to make his key targets for the attacking positions clearer, to attract them before other Championship teams make a pursuit.