Wilfried Zaha has joined Turkish giants Galatasary following the expiry of his Crystal Palace contract, it was announced on Monday.
The Ivory Coast international winger leaves Selhurst Park after a combined fourteen years at the club. Wilfried Zaha registered 90 goals and 76 assists in 458 appearances.
Wilfried Zaha signed a three-year deal with Galatasaray on a reported wage of £3.76 million a season. He was also paid a £2m signing fee.
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In his nascent career, Zaha looked destined to play for one of the biggest clubs in England. He got his big move in 2014 when he joined Manchester United.
Zaha struggled to settle under a manager in David Moyed who would be sacked at the end of the season. He returned to Crystal Palace the next season, on loan at first, before signing a permanent contract.
There were other opportunities for Zaha over the years. Arsenal were seriously interested in him around 2018. However, Palace’s asking price of £80 million was off putting for his suitors.
So, he ended up excelling as a big fish in a small pond – the Selhurst Park talisman. The winger reportedly had offers from Lazio and Atletico Madrid before deciding to join Galatasaray.
The Turkish Super League may be an odd decision when he had offers from more glamorous teams. However, the 30 year old will play Champions League football for his new team. Zaha is a guaranteed starter in a league famed for its atmosphere and intensity.
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His willingness to move abroad shows a desire for a new challenge but an acceptance that the very top of the Premier League has probably passed him by. On his day, he’s a devastating, unstoppable player. He will likely add to his already-significant highlight reel in Turkey, and probably win the league.
Crystal Palace now face the challenge of how to replace such a dominant figure. They may struggle, but other players may thrive without his presence.
