Rakip excited to link up with 'legend' Hodgson at Crystal Palace

Dom Farrell

Rakip excited to link up with 'legend' Hodgson at Crystal Palace image

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

The Sweden Under-21 international joined the Portuguese champions from Malmo earlier this month and becomes Roy Hodgson's first signing of the January transfer window.

"I believe this is a league that suits me and my way of playing," Rakip told Palace's official website.

"It's fast-paced and physically intense, and I'm a classic, balanced number six - a box-to-box player who runs up and down the field.

"I hope to adapt quickly in order to help the team and show my qualities - I have been training since the season ended and I feel fit and ready to play straight away."

Hodgson enjoyed a celebrated spell in charge of Malmo during the 1980s, winning five consecutive Allsvenskan titles and Rakip conceded the former England boss' status in his hometown was a factor in his decision.

"It will be an honour playing for Roy. He is a legend in Malmo and everyone know who he is," Rakip added.

Palace are 13th in the Premier League, three points above the relegation zone, after their impressive revival under Hodgson was checked by a 4-1 weekend loss at Arsenal.

Dom Farrell

Dom Farrell Photo

Dom is the senior content producer for Sporting News UK. He previously worked as fan brands editor for Manchester City at Reach Plc. Prior to that, he built more than a decade of experience in the sports journalism industry, primarily for the Stats Perform and Press Association news agencies. Dom has covered major football events on location, including the entirety of Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup in Paris and St Petersburg respectively, along with numerous high-profile Premier League, Champions League and England international matches. Cricket and boxing are his other major sporting passions and he has covered the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Wladimir Klitschko, Gennadiy Golovkin and Vasyl Lomachenko live from ringside.