Cardiff City Could Target Crystal Palace Winger After Omari Kellyman Blow

Cardiff City are expected to step up their recruitment efforts as the summer transfer window enters its final stages, with Brian Barry-Murphy still needing to strengthen several areas of his squad following promotion from League One.

The Bluebirds have so far made just one permanent addition, bringing in Republic of Ireland international Jack Moylan from Lincoln City. Nathan Trott and Calum Scanlon have also returned after spending last season on loan at the Welsh club.

Cardiff had hoped to bring back Chelsea youngster Omari Kellyman after his impressive contribution to their promotion campaign, but those plans have now been disrupted. With the midfielder set to move elsewhere, Cardiff could turn their attention to another talented young attacker.

One possible solution could be Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, although the Bluebirds face competition from Wrexham and other Championship clubs.

Cardiff need to find a replacement for Kellyman

Kellyman was one of Cardiff’s standout performers during their promotion-winning campaign. The 20-year-old scored 11 league goals and became increasingly influential as the season progressed.

His versatility made him particularly valuable to Barry-Murphy. Kellyman could operate as a central striker, play behind the forward or start from the right flank. He also stepped into an unfamiliar false-nine role when leading striker Yousef Salech was unavailable.

Cardiff had been hopeful of bringing him back to South Wales for another season after his successful loan spell. Barry-Murphy’s previous relationship with Enzo Maresca had helped facilitate the original move from Chelsea, and Kellyman had reportedly been keen on another season with the Bluebirds.

However, Chelsea have now opted to sell the youngster to sister club Strasbourg. The transfer represents another significant investment in Kellyman and leaves Cardiff needing to find an alternative before the window closes.

Rak-Sakyi could be an ideal Cardiff target

One player who could fill the void is Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

The Crystal Palace winger’s future remains uncertain after several loan spells away from Selhurst Park. Despite previously being regarded as one of the club’s most exciting academy prospects, the 23-year-old has struggled to establish himself in the Palace first team.

Rak-Sakyi has played only a small amount of senior football for the Eagles, with most of his experience coming during temporary spells elsewhere.

His most productive period came at Charlton Athletic in the 2022/23 season. He scored 15 goals and supplied nine assists in 49 appearances in League One, demonstrating his ability to create and finish chances from wide positions.

He subsequently moved to Sheffield United, where he scored seven times in 36 appearances as the Blades reached the Championship play-off final. A loan spell with Turkish side Rizespor followed, producing four goals in 13 matches.

His most recent stint at Stoke City was less impressive, with the winger scoring twice in 16 appearances.

Despite those inconsistent spells, Rak-Sakyi remains a player with significant potential and could benefit from finally finding a permanent club willing to give him regular football.

Cardiff could benefit from Rak-Sakyi’s qualities

Cardiff are still looking for more options in wide areas. Ollie Tanner and Chris Willock are currently among their most natural wingers, while Cian Ashford has increasingly been used in a more advanced midfield role.

Rak-Sakyi could offer something different.

His pace, direct running and ability to take defenders on would provide Cardiff with another attacking weapon. Although he may not offer the same level of ball retention that Barry-Murphy ideally wants, his willingness to attack defenders one-on-one could be particularly useful against Championship teams sitting in deep defensive blocks.

The winger is comfortable operating on either side but has often been at his best when starting from the right and cutting inside onto his stronger left foot.

That ability could help Cardiff create more opportunities against opponents who attempt to frustrate them with compact defensive structures.

Wrexham and Burnley also interested

The biggest obstacle for Cardiff could be the level of competition for Rak-Sakyi.

His current Crystal Palace contract is due to expire next summer, and clubs are already monitoring his situation. Wrexham and Burnley have both reportedly shown interest in the winger.

From Palace’s perspective, selling now could make sense if there is no long-term role for Rak-Sakyi. It would allow them to collect a transfer fee rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer, while the player himself could finally establish himself at a permanent club.

Cardiff could arguably offer Rak-Sakyi an attractive footballing environment. Barry-Murphy’s attacking approach and use of natural wingers could suit the former Charlton star, while Wrexham’s Phil Parkinson has generally relied heavily on wing-backs.

Financially, however, Wrexham and Burnley could potentially have an advantage in negotiations.

For Cardiff, the opportunity is clear. Rak-Sakyi remains a talented, direct and potentially dangerous attacker who could strengthen their squad immediately while still having plenty of room for development.

After losing out on Kellyman, the Bluebirds could therefore do worse than entering the race for the Palace winger—and beating Wrexham to his signature would make the deal even sweeter.