Leicester City and Crystal Palace are reportedly leading the race to sign Galatasaray’s Wilfried Zaha on loan, with Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United also keen.
Leicester City and Crystal Palace have reportedly moved ahead in the race for Galatasaray attacker Wilfried Zaha.
The 31-year-old secured a high-profile transfer to the Turkish Super Lig last summer following the expiration of his contract at Selhurst Park.
His first spell outside of England in club football, Zaha was lured to Galatasaray by the opportunity to be a regular in the Champions League.
As well as seven appearances in UEFA’s elite club competition, the former Manchester United winger also featured 30 times in the Super Lig, scoring nine times and providing three assists.
Zaha also possesses international pedigree, having represented the Ivory Coast on 30 occasions, scoring five times, between January 2017 and December 2023.
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Leicester, Crystal Palace ‘lead’ pursuit of Zaha
According to Football Insider, Zaha is edging closer to a move back to the Premier League this summer following a title-winning campaign in Turkey.
The report claims that Galatasaray would be willing to offload the 31-year-old on a season-long loan to a club in England for the 2024-25 term.
It is understood that the Super Lig holders are demanding a seven-figure loan fee from the potential purchaser, who would be asked to pay Zaha’s wages in full.
Oliver Glasner‘s Eagles are known to be in the market for attacking additions following the departure of French Under-21 international Michael Olise to Bayern Munich.
Zaha only left Selhurst Park for Turkey a year ago, with the Ivorian making nearly 300 appearances during his eight-year permanent stint at the London club between 2015 and 2023.
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West Ham, Wolves also keen on Zaha?
As well as Leicester and former club Palace, it is believed that Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United are both also considering a loan move for Zaha.
The Hammers have been able to complete some eye-catching signings this summer courtesy of Julen Lopetegui‘s pull and savvy transfer moves, bringing Jean-Clair Todibo, Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville to the London Stadium.
Gary O’Neil‘s Wolves have been less active in comparison, although there could be some money to spend following the departure of talisman Pedro Neto to Chelsea.
As for Leicester, Zaha’s Premier League experience on the flanks could be vital in a squad that lacks top-flight knowhow in those specific positions, even if Abdul Fatawu and Stephy Mavididi have the quality to compensate.