Crystal Palace has signed Benfica midfielder Erdal Rakip on a loan deal for the rest of the season. The Swedish international has become Roy Hodgson’s first signing for the club in this January transfer window with the youngster plying his trade at Selhurst Park for the remainder of the campaign. The midfielder joined Benfica from his hometown club Malmo earlier this month but has now being transferred to Palace so that he can gain some experience in the Premier League.
After signing for the Eagles, the 21-year-old expressed his intentions and was quoted to have said, “I believe this is a league that suits me and my way of playing,”
“I hope to adapt quickly in order to help the team and show my qualities.”
Rakip burst into the scene at Malmo after graduating from their academy and now Roy Hodgson, who once steered the Swedish club to five consecutive league titles in the 1980s, has secured the services of the youngster to bolster his options at the club going into the second half of the season. The 21-year-old midfielder made a total of 120 appearances for Malmo during his time in Sweden. He has also won the Swedish league title four times with his former club and has made 16 appearances in the Champions League.
Crystal Palace are currently in the 13th place in the Premier League standings with a tally of 25 points in 24 league matches. They have turned their fortunes for the better after the arrival of manager Roy Hodgson at the club earlier this season. The Eagles have made a remarkable comeback from being rooted to the bottom of the league table to getting themselves out of immediate relegation danger. The club are still just 3 points above the drop zone and Hodgson may have finally identified that there is a need for some reinforcements in this winter transfer window as he prepares his side for a potential relegation dogfight in the second half of the campaign.
The recruitment of Rakip, albeit on a temporary basis, could help them in their quest of avoiding the agony of relegation to the Championship at the end of the season. The Swedish Under 21 international has featured in just 3 matches for Malmo this season, scoring a goal in the process. He is highly versatile and can operate as a central midfielder or on the right flank.
Only time will tell whether Rakip can adapt to the fast intensity of the Premier League and ensure Palace’s Premier League lives for another season.
