Sheffield United urged against potential Southampton FC transfer battle for "luxury player" | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit discussed whether the club should be looking to re-sign Jesurun Rak-Sakyi amid reported interest from Southampton

A big summer awaits at Sheffield United, which will doubtless be dictated by the outcome of their bid to gain promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt via the play-offs after missing out on a top-two spot behind Leeds United and Burnley.

The Blades have a notoriously poor record in the play-offs and, should they fail to progress past Bristol City and then one of either Sunderland or Coventry City in the final at Wembley later this month, a second potential squad exodus could be anticipated ahead of the summer transfer window.

It would, of course, be little surprise to see the likes of Gus Hamer, Vini Souza, Michael Cooper and Anel Ahmedhodzic all earn interest - and subsequent moves elsewhere - in the event of a failed promotion push.

On the other hand, however, United would need to undertake a significant window of activity in order to compete at Premier League level next term.

The prospect of top-flight football back in the red-and-white quarters of the Steel City, and the corresponding increase in financial muscle from promotion, would both naturally give the Blades a considerable boost in being able to acquire Chris Wilder's summer targets.

If promotion is sealed, though, United have been warned against identifying Jesurun Rak-Sakyi as one of those targets.

Sheffield United warned against potential Southampton transfer battle for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Rak-Sakyi has spent the duration of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Sheffield United from Crystal Palace, and has enjoyed a respectable first season playing in the Championship.

The winger has not always been a consistent fixture in Wilder's starting side, but has still returned seven goals and two assists from 34 appearances, 22 of which have been starts.

It's little wonder, then, that Rak-Sakyi has interest in the Championship ahead of the following campaign. Freshly-relegated Southampton, who were linked with the Eagles prospect last summer, are reportedly interested in his services once again.

With this in mind, FLW asked our resident Blades fan pundit, Jimmy, whether he believes his side should renew their interest in Rak-Sakyi if they go up, with a permanent deal likely more possible to broker in any such case.

Jimmy, however, holds reservations over Rak-Sakyi, who he has described as a "luxury player". In Jimmy's view, the 22-year-old would not fit the bill of what the Blades could be in need of in the top-flight, although he would be open to a loan return if another season in the Championship awaits.

"Personally, I don't think Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has been consistent enough for us to be seriously interested in making it permanent if we're promoted," Jimmy told FLW.

"You could argue he hasn't had a consistent run in the side. I wouldn't say it's been a disappointing spell because he has certainly contributed to our success this season, but I think he falls into the category, for me, of being a bit of a luxury player.

"Whatever he gives you going forward, I think it's a little bit lacking defensively. If we're going to do well in the Premier League - if we are fortunate enough to be promoted - we need 11 athletes that are willing to do the work.

"We can't carry any luxury players, and he would fall into that category for me.

"I think he'd be a good signing for Southampton at Championship level, hopefully he could get a consistent run in their side [if he joins].

"If we were to remain in the Championship I wouldn't be against him returning on loan, but I wouldn't be looking to sign him permanently."

Crystal Palace's Jesurun Rak-Sakyi may need another Championship season amid Southampton interest

Rak-Sakyi has displayed signs of real promise for Sheffield United, playing his part to contribute to the division's third-best side this season.

There are, however, certain elements of his game which remain raw and unrefined.

That's natural for a wide player of his age who has only had two seasons playing regular senior football, but it does mean that the transition from the Championship to the Premier League could just prove one or two steps too far at this moment in time.

He has all the potential to get to that stage in the not-too-distant future, although one more season in the Championship - this time establishing himself as a consistent starter and one of the division's very best - may be required first.