Erdal Rakip’s whirlwind season is heading to London.
The Swedish international sealed a permanent deal to Benfica this month, but is set for a loan at Crystal Palace.
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Rakip, 21, has made 120 appearances with 12 goals for Malmo in betrayal of his tender age, including a career-high nine goals in 2017 as the Swedish champs sealed a fourth title in five years.
Helping seal the deal was Hodgson’s status as Malmo legend, leading the club to five league titles and two Swedish cups. From CPFC.co.uk:
Malmo has lost two big players in the past six months in Rakip and Orlando City midfielder Yoshimar Yotun.
Given Palace’s injuries, players like Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Yohan Cabaye were going to be taxed a lot by the run-in to safety. Rakip will help with that.