Charlton Athletic’s return to the Championship will have thrilled everyone associated with the team.
After a five-season break, Nathan Jones’ team defeated Leyton Orient in the League One play-off final at Wembley to return to the second division.
Jones’ decision to commit to the team for the long run after their victory, signing a five-year contract to remain at The Valley until 2030, also gave Charlton hope.
In their long League One stint, the London outfit were joyed to witness the breakthrough of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who linked up on loan from Crystal Palace during the 2022-23 campaign.
A dangerous and unpredictable force on the flank, Rak-Sakyi will go down as one of the most successful Charlton signings in recent memory
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s impact for Charlton Athletic
A fresh-faced 19-year-old, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi was unleashed for his first loan spell in professional football, heading to Charlton Athletic after signing a five-year contract at Selhurst Park.
The winger would go on to show why so much excitement was being generated about him.
His sharp speed, direct nature and willingness to take defenders on saw him regularly score as well as create chances for his teammates, with his debut goal against Plymouth Argyle a sign of what was to come.
Establishing himself as a first-team regular instantly, Rak-Sakyi was often trusted enough to play 90 minutes, with his front-footed approach and constant ability to dictate play meaning other Charlton players would often look to supply him with the ball.
Despite not competing for promotion at the time, Rak-Sakyi had a superb individual season, netting 15 times and providing eight assists.
Staying fit for the whole of the campaign, Rak-Sakyi played a big part in propelling Charlton to a 10th-placed finish, with the winger undoubtedly too good for that level.
As a result, the youngster would scoop the Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards for his performances.
In recent memory, it’s hard to think of another Charlton player who had such an immediate impact while so young.
Could a Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Charlton Athletic reunion be on the cards?
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi developed a fantastic rapport with the Charlton faithful in his loan spell and would be welcomed back to The Valley in a heartbeat.
While it remains unlikely that the winger will break through into the Crystal Palace setup any time soon, Charlton’s return to the Championship could offer a path for Rak-Sakyi to undergo a second spell at the club, as he aims to build and improve on his first taste of second tier action with Sheffield United.
Rak-Sakyi has the potential to be a key member of this Charlton team once more, proving to be a creative force and contributing crucial Championship experience that could support their bid to survive.
With so much talent off the right side, he might play a key role in the Addicks’ attempt to stay in the second division, and if Palace were eager to loan him out again, you would bet on them to succeed.
