Chelsea declined January transfer secret weapon as Romeo Lavia replacement in worst-case scenario

When Chelsea named Sam Rak-Sakyi on the bench for their second Conference League group phase game of the season in October, he was probably best known to most casual observers as the brother of tricky Sheffield United winger Jesurun, or Jes. Another former Cobham academy graduate, Jes is on loan at Bramall Lane and impressing again after playing for Palace’s first-team in bursts.

Jes is still only 22 himself and is on the way to potential Championship promotion with Chelsea loanee Alfie Gilchrist under Chris Wilder. He is making a name for himself in the EFL after scoring 15 times and assisting another eight for Charlton Athletic in the 2022/23 season.

Although still very much an outside name to most who watch Chelsea regularly, Jes Rak-Sakyi was the more famous and established of the brothers. Then Sam arrived.

He was unused in Greece for the 4-1 win over Panathinaikos but got a debut two weeks later in the 8-0 thrashing of FC Noah. Coming from the bench, Rak-Sakyi could easily have scored after finding himself with a free shot on the edge of the box. It was blazed over but he had made an impact.

As a slight but nimble midfielder, he has a lot of Billy Gilmour about him, and that is a player who Chelsea fans were immediately happy to watch. Rak-Sakyi, like his older sibling, is excellent on the ball when dribbling and can twist away from defenders across the pitch.

He operates in a deeper, more conservative role with a shorter frame. What Rak-Sakyi may lack in physicality he makes up in intelligence. Along with Kiano Dyer, he is one of the best players in a pivot – either on his own or with a teammate – in his age group.

That was on display when he was tasked with starting away to Astana just over a month later. He was briefly called on in the win over Heidenheim but had the responsibility of anchoring a young team in freezing cold conditions in Kazakhstan. He was possibly the best player on the field even if Marc Guiu’s goals took most of the applause.

With Chelsea lacking backup for Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in the centre of the park due to Romeo Lavia’s latest injury, Rak-Sakyi looked set for an increased role under Enzo Maresca. That hasn’t proven the case.

Rak-Sakyi has only played once since December 12 and that was as a late sub in the Shamrock Rovers win. He could have started there but instead Cesare Casadei and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall were preferred.

He was named as a sub against Brentford four days prior but has not been granted a spot in a matchday squad since. Given the midfield problems, many expected him to either act as cover or be loaned out for more experience.

Frank Lampard and Coventry City were in the mix to sign him but nothing was agreed. Rak-Sakyi would have been a brilliant addition for what is now an upwardly mobile team pushing the play-off places in the second tier.

Since replacing Mark Robins as head coach at the end of November, Lampard has won nine of his 14 league games, losing four. From facing an unlikely relegation battle to being seventh and just four points away from fifth, Lampard has turned it around. His side are on a run of six wins in their last seven.

Rak-Sakyi would not only have been able to offer something different to Coventry but he would have had the chance to pick the brains of Lampard for five months. As a young player it could have been an invaluable opportunity.

Chelsea have seen the effect Lampard can have on loanees and academy hopefuls close up before. Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori both excelled under his management in 2018/19 at Derby County before Tammy Abraham had a strong first year as Chelsea’s go-to striker with him the next year too.

Previously, Chelsea have turned not only to Coventry and former Cobham boss Adi Viveash to send players out on loan but they have also looked towards Lampard. In January that chance was missed and Rak-Sakyi looks set for a role in age-group football until the summer.

It is a shame for a player who is now ready for the step up. He is effectively treading water whilst waiting for other opportunities. Chelsea, instead of being active in the market, pushed the Rak-Sakyi issue down the road as they considered their options.

In the end, Mathis Amougou, also 19, was signed from Saint-Etienne on deadline day. He is already being lined up for a loan to RC Strasbourg next season and is a long-term obstacle for Rak-Sakyi who is already providing a barrier to his inclusion right now.

Whereas Lampard might have offered Rak-Sakyi a way into senior football he is now resigned to making the most of Premier League 2 minutes. Lampard could have been an easy and effective way out for Chelsea over the winter but it looks like an opportunity has been missed here.