Martin O’Neill is keen to add a Crystal Palace attacker to his squad on a loan deal, with Celtic revisiting interest that dates back to the summer transfer window.
Supporter frustration was clear during Sunday’s Scottish Cup tie at Rugby Park, where chants urging the club to sign new players rang out from the stands as Celtic edged past Auchinleck Talbot. While progression was secured with a 2–0 win, the performance again underlined the need for reinforcements, particularly in attack.
Although the search for a reliable striker remains a priority, O’Neill is also eager to bolster his wide options. Despite that need, Celtic are still waiting to make their first addition of the window. Attention has now turned to a Premier League winger who was previously on the club’s radar during Brendan Rodgers’ time in charge.
Celtic have renewed their pursuit of Crystal Palace wide man Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. The 23 year old has struggled for regular opportunities at Selhurst Park but has gained experience through loan spells with Charlton Athletic, Sheffield United and Turkish side Caykur Rizespor.
According to CeltsAreHere, Celtic have kept tabs on Rak-Sakyi since last summer and have stayed in contact with Palace over a possible move. The Hoops are hopeful of bringing him to Glasgow until the end of the season, although competition is strong, with Swansea City and Stoke City also keen on securing his services.
Rak-Sakyi enjoyed a productive campaign on loan at Sheffield United last season, scoring seven goals and registering two assists as the Blades narrowly missed promotion after losing the play off final to Sunderland. His time in Turkey during the first half of this season has been less eye catching, but he remains a player O’Neill admires.
Negotiations could hinge on the structure of any deal. Celtic are pushing for a loan with an option to buy, while Palace are believed to favour an obligation to purchase being included. That difference in stance has already complicated potential moves in the past, with Swansea encountering similar issues during the summer.
With Jota sidelined for the rest of the season and Daizen Maeda often used through the middle, Celtic are light on options out wide. Sebastian Tounekti found the net against Talbot but has struggled for consistency, leaving the side heavily dependent on the impressive form of Yang Hyun jun. As a result, adding a natural winger like Rak-Sakyi could be a key step in strengthening O’Neill’s attacking options for the months ahead.