Southampton transfer news: Saints 'to beat' Rangers, former manager to Premier League attacker

Southampton have reportedly gained an advantage over Rangers in the race for Crystal Palace Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

The 22-year-old could be the latest youngster to join the South-coast club following the arrival of Damion Downs from Bundesliga 2 earlier in the month.

Rak-Sakyi spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan in the Championship at Sheffield United, who missed out on promotion after losing to Sunderland in the playoff final at Wembley Stadium.

The winger was not a guaranteed starter for Chris Wilder's men, managing seven goals and two assists across 34 second-tier appearances.

Since graduating from the academy of the Eagles in 2021, Rak-Sakyi has featured on 10 occasions for Palace, yet to find the net for the Premier League outfit.

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Southampton to beat Rangers in Rak-Sakyi race?

According to Football Insider, Southampton have the potential to beat Rangers in the race for Crystal Palace star Rak-Sakyi this summer.

The report claims that the 22-year-old could be on the market for up to £10m, a figure that the Gers would struggle to fork out due to financial restrictions.

On the other hand, it is understood that a host of Championship clubs in the market for Rak-Sayki could be able to afford the winger permanently.

As a result, it is believed that Rangers are targeting a temporary deal for the former Charlton Athletic loanee during the 2025-26 season..

However, it remains to be seen whether Oliver Glasner's troops are open to sending Rak-Sayki out on loan for another campaign.

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Rak-Sakyi's point to prove

Starting just 22 matches in the Championship, Rak-Sakyi hardly set the world alight in the second tier after being tipped for major success.

In fairness to the 22-year-old, 2024-25 was his first-ever term at the level and he could be in line for better attacking returns during his second bite of the cherry.

It appears as if a lot of Championship clubs are willing to take that gamble on Rak-Sayki, who certainly has a point to prove.