Rakip joins in loan deal

January 22 2018

Erdal Rakip (Photo: Official Palace website)

Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of midfielder Erdal Rakip on loan from Benfica until the end of the season.

The Swedish under-21 star moved to Benfica earlier this month from his native city of Malmo.

He joined Malmo at five-years-old and made his debut for the club in 2013. Rakip has duel Swedish and Macedonian nationality and 11 caps for the Swedish under-21 side.

The 21-year-old has played 16 games in the Champions League and will provide much needed cover in midfield with the injuries to Jason Puncheon and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Talking to the Official Palace website Rakip spoke highly of Roy Hodgson: "It will be an honour playing for Roy. He is a legend in Malmö and everyone know who he is.

"Crystal Palace is a fantastic club with a lot of history that plays entertaining football, and was the best option for my development and my career at this stage.

"It feels amazing arriving to the best league in the world and to be part of a great team."