Transfers
Charlton miss £5m Rak‑Sakyi move as Burnley and Derby scramble
Charlton Athletic will not secure former loan star Jesurun Rak‑Sakyi on a permanent deal from Crystal Palace after a £5 million fee fell through, leaving the Championship side to address their winger shortage while Burnley and Derby County are urged to act ASAP.
Why Charlton need a winger
The Addicks have been tipped for relegation to League One, making the loss of a proven wide‑forward a significant blow. Their early‑season victories, including a 2‑1 win over Derby County and a 2‑1 triumph at West Ham United’s London Stadium, have raised hopes of defying the doubters.
Deal collapse and market reaction
Crystal Palace, where the winger shone under Ben Garner, had been close to finalising Rak‑Sakyi’s permanent transfer for £5 million, the amount reported as required. Although the 23‑year‑old completed his medical and discussed personal terms, the clubs could not agree on finer details, causing the deal to collapse.
Charlton’s missed signing could become a boon for another Championship side seeking depth on the flanks. FLW noted that Burnley and Wrexham had already placed the winger on their radars before the collapse.
Burnley, known as the Clarets, are short on wide options after a pre‑season injury to Jaydon Banel left Jacob Bruun Larsen as the sole senior left‑winger. Marcus Edwards also remains a target on the opposite side, and Rak‑Sakyi’s ability to play both wings would address both gaps. Fans have been asked whether they would welcome his signing.
Derby County manager John Eustace faces a depleted wide area, having used Bobby Clark on the right and Corey Blackett‑Taylor on the left against Cardiff City on August 22. The Rams have also been monitoring Barnsley’s Reyes Cleary and Ipswich Town’s Anis Mehmeti as possible additions. Adding Rak‑Sakyi would provide a direct, pace‑driven option for the squad, similar to the impact Bobby Clark had after signing permanently from RB Salzburg in the summer. The winger’s pace could also benefit USMNT international Patrick Agyemang when he returns from his own lengthy absence.
Action Images By  Benedict Ferraby AM GMT+1 Benedict is an EFL‑accredited self‑publishing writer and sub‑editor for FLW, covering all three divisions whilst strongly focusing on developments at Hull City and Birmingham City. He graduated with a 2:1 (Hons) in Multimedia Journalism at the University of Wolverhampton in September 2024, then earned a Merit in MA Sports Journalism at Coventry University in 2025. His previous experience includes covering Rugby League, working with Wolves' Academy, and reporting on Football across the Rugby League and non‑league scenes. Try something different, add us, and follow the action.
With the transfer window edging towards its close, Burnley and Derby must react ASAP if they hope to secure the 23‑year‑old before other suitors emerge. The collapse of the Charlton deal underscores how quickly opportunities can shift in the summer market.