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Swansea City head coach Vitor Matos remained tight-lipped about the club’s interest in Jesurun Rak-Sakyi after Crystal Palace recalled the winger from his loan spell at Turkish side Çaykur Rizespor, describing the 23-year-old as a “really interesting” player but refusing to elaborate on potential transfer plans.
Matos Plays Down Rak-Sakyi Links Despite Palace Recalling Winger From Turkey
The Swansea manager acknowledged his admiration for Rak-Sakyi, stating the player “has a lot of things we like” but dismissed suggestions that a move was imminent. When pressed about Palace’s decision to cut short the winger’s loan spell in Turkey, Matos simply responded: “No, nothing to add about that.”
Matos emphasised that Swansea are not alone in their appreciation of Rak-Sakyi’s abilities, pointing to his previous loan spell at Sheffield United as evidence of widespread interest. “I think not only for us, I think he’s a player of interest of a lot of teams,” the Portuguese coach explained. “That’s why he played last season at Sheffield United. So he’s a player who has a lot of things, like I said, that we like, but that doesn’t mean anything for the future.”
The comments came after Swansea’s FA Cup third-round exit to West Bromwich Albion on penalties at home on Sunday. The match marked the debut of former Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward, who joined the Welsh club on a short-term deal until the end of the season on Friday as their first January signing.
Matos praised Ward’s immediate impact, highlighting the experience and leadership qualities the 35-year-old brings to the squad. “I’m really happy for him,” said the Swansea boss. “Joel gave us experience, leadership, and I think that’s quite important as well as a group to have someone like him. So that’s why I’m really pleased with the signing.” Meanwhile, Chelsea loanee Ishe Samuels-Smith faces three weeks out with a groin injury.
