He is ready for this kind of challenge now - Patrick Vieira on Rak-Sakyi's transfer to Charlton

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira believes highly-rated youngster Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is ready to challenge himself after sealing a move to English Football League One side Charlton Athletic.

The 19-year-old joined the Addicks on a season long loan from the Eagles after successful negotiations.

Rak-Sakyi made two Premier League appearances last season and has been capped by England U20s, scoring on his debut in September 2021.

He was due to head out on loan last winter, with Milton Keynes and Accrington Stanley both keen, but Vieira decided to keep him around the first team environment.

"When you’re a young player, and you have the chance to spend time in the first team dressing room, looking around, there is a lot to take in, but Jes has been really good being around the first team," Vieira said.

"He learnt a lot – you can see that from the couple of games he played with us. Even during the [pre-season] tour, he played in a different position, but he did really well and showed more personality. He is ready for this kind of challenge now."

Rak-Sakyi arrived in SE7 on the back of an impressive 2021/22 Premier League 2 campaign, finishing as the division's joint-top scorer with 18 goals and registering six assists.

He became Charlton’s seventh signing of the summer following the arrivals of Eoghan O’Connell, Mandela Egbo, Joe Wollacott, Conor McGrandles, Steven Sessegnon and Jack Payne.