Crystal Palace transfers latest: Olise, Rak-Sakyi, Akpom

Here is a round-up of the latest Palace transfer rumours, ahead of another busy transfer window.

Michael Olise

Recent news has suggested that Michael Olise could be a replacement for Lionel Messi when his contract expires at PSG at the end of the season, which would be part of a new transfer strategy for the French club.

Lionel Messi has been offered a contract worth more than 400 million Euros per season by Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Although an extension at PSG is not ruled out, it looks increasingly unlikely, with Messi’s recent two-game suspension by the PSG board for taking an unauthorised holiday when he was supposed to be training with the team.

MORE PALACE NEWS

According to the Evening Standard, PSG want to move away from just signing superstars and look to develop French talent instead, and Olise is one of the brightest French talents in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old has nine assists and two goals in the league so far in a season that’s seen him become an irreplicable member of Palace’s frontline.

Olise’s contract runs until 2026, so Palace won’t be forced into a sale that they don’t want to make, but PSG have a lot of money that they’re prepared to use, and they’ve shown it in the past.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Palace’s young winger has just come off the back of an outstanding season for Charlton Athletic. The 20-year-old was voted the Addicks’ player of the season recently, and is currently their top scorer, netting 15 goals and recording nine assists.

But if the Palace man doesn’t get his opportunity at Palace next season, Ipswich Town may be one of the clubs interested in the winger.

Following their promotion to the Championship, Ipswich will be looking to strengthen all areas of their squad. Ipswich will be well aware of what Rak-Sakyi can offer them, with the Palace man even scoring a goal against Ipswich in a 4-4 draw earlier on in the season.

According to South London Press, Palace are going to assess Rak-Sakyi in the upcoming pre-season.

But it’s becoming more and more common for young players to move away from their clubs in the hunt for first team football, as shown by Palace’s own Marc Guehi. 

It seems as if Rak-Sakyi will get the chance to impress at Palace next season, but he won’t be short of options if it doesn’t work out at Selhurst Park.

Chuba Akpom

According to TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace are ready to make a bid for Middlesbrough star Chuba Akpom.

Akpom, who was previously part of the Arsenal academy, joined Greek club PAOK in 2018, before joining Middlesbrough in 2020.

Akpom spent a year at Middlesbrough before a year on loan back at PAOK, and then eventually back to Middlesbrough at the start of 2022/23 season where he has achieved his most prolific goalscoring season to date.

Akpom has scored 28 goals in the Championship and was named its player of the year, as well as Middlesbrough’s player of the year. According to the report, Akpom would ‘relish’ the chance to move back to London this transfer window.

Middlesbrough have guaranteed a finish in the play-offs this season, with Akpom’s goals helping to fire Middlesbrough to fourth in the league, where they are the top scorers in the competition.

But if Middlesbrough fail to secure promotion to the Premier league, it could become a little harder to keep Akpom around, with Crystal Palace one of the clubs rumoured to be interested in him.