Last summer, Crystal Palace made the decision to let Wilfried Zaha leave the club on a free transfer, allowing him to join Galatasaray. This move marked the end of a significant chapter in Zaha’s career, which saw him rise to prominence at Palace. At the peak of his career with the Eagles, Zaha was valued at an impressive £70 million, a testament to his impact and potential. Despite this high valuation, his departure was handled without a transfer fee, reflecting the complexities of football contracts and market dynamics.
Now, according to recent reports, Zaha is reportedly eager to make a return to the Premier League. There is notable interest from several English clubs, including a potential reunion with Crystal Palace and interest from Leicester City. During the previous season, Zaha demonstrated his scoring prowess by netting 10 goals across all competitions, underlining his ability to contribute significantly on the pitch. Given his current status, he might be available for a loan move rather than a permanent transfer, which could make him an attractive option for clubs looking to bolster their squads without committing to a large transfer fee.
Newcastle United, who were linked with Zaha last summer, appear to be shifting their focus. The recent arrival of William Osula suggests that the Magpies are now looking to invest in younger talent to complement their goal-scoring machine, Alexander Isak. This strategic shift indicates that Newcastle’s priorities have evolved, potentially moving away from acquiring more experienced players like Zaha at this time.
Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan recently voiced his thoughts on Zaha’s potential return to the club. In a discussion on talkSPORT, Jordan expressed his deep admiration for Zaha, describing him as a player with extraordinary talent. He emphasized that Zaha had the ability to play at the very highest levels of football, including clubs like Real Madrid. Jordan’s comments reflect a belief that Zaha’s move to Manchester United, where he was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson and subsequently managed by David Moyes, was not as successful as anticipated. He suggested that Zaha may not have been fully prepared for the scale and expectations of Manchester United at that time, which could have contributed to his struggles at the club.
Jordan also reflected on Zaha’s successful tenure at Palace, highlighting that he was a standout performer during his time there. He suggested that returning to Palace could offer Zaha a sense of familiarity and comfort, making it a fitting place for him to continue his career. Jordan’s perspective underscores the idea that a return to Palace could not only provide Zaha with a stable environment but also reinvigorate his career by rekindling his connection with the club where he achieved significant success.
