Transfers
Cardiff chase Rak‑Sakyi to replace Kellyman as Chelsea pull the plug
Cardiff City must act quickly after Chelsea’s decision to sell Omari Kellyman, leaving a void that could be filled by Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak‑Sakyi, provided the Bluebirds outbid Wrexham. The 23‑year‑old offers pace and goal threat on the flanks, a key area where Cardiff lack depth after promotion.
Promotion leaves squad thin
Brian Barry‑Murphy’s side secured promotion out of League One at the first attempt but have added only one new face – Republic of Ireland international Jack Moylan from Lincoln City – while Nathan Trott and Calum Scanlon returned from loan spells in the 2025/26 campaign. The limited activity has left the Bluebirds searching for numerous additions across the pitch as they prepare for the Championship.
Kellyman's departure opens a void
Omari Kellyman, the 20‑year‑old who scored 11 league goals and stepped into a false‑nine role during the promotion campaign, was expected to return after a year‑long loan from Chelsea. However, Chelsea have sanctioned a permanent sale to sister club Strasbourg, a move involving a £19 million fee and contradicting Kellyman’s desire to stay in South Wales, leaving Cardiff with an undoubted gap.
Rak‑Sakyi as a realistic target
Jesurun Rak‑Sakyi, now 23, has logged just 313 minutes of senior competitive football for Crystal Palace but impressed on loan, scoring 15 goals and providing nine assists for Charlton Athletic in League One, adding seven goals for Sheffield United and four for Turkish side Rizespor before an unremarkable stint at Stoke City. The one‑cap Ghanaian international’s contract expires next summer and clubs such as Burnley and Wrexham are already monitoring his situation.
Cardiff could offer a more attractive stylistic fit than rivals Wrexham, with Barry‑Murphy’s front‑footed attacking approach and natural wingers complementing the squad’s needs. While Wrexham may have a financial edge, the Bluebirds’ ability to secure Rak‑Sakyi would give them a new dimension on the wings, stretching low‑block defences and providing a genuine goal threat.
For the deal to materialise, Cardiff must move swiftly before the window closes, outbidding Wrexham and convincing Palace to part with a player who has yet to establish a long‑term future at Selhurst Park after four loan spells. A permanent transfer would allow Palace to receive a fee and give Rak‑Sakyi a settled home to reignite his career.
Action Images By  Jack Price AM GMT+1 Jack Price is an Assistant Editor and Cardiff City-specific writer for Football League World. Jack graduated from the University of Derby with a First-Class Honours degree in Football Journalism in June 2024. Whilst undertaking his studies, Jack also gained work placement opportunities with WalesOnline and Wales, and reported from the press box at a variety of Premier League and EFL fixtures. Add Us