Wilfried Zaha links up with ex-Premier League boss after completing left-field transfer
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Wilfried Zaha has completed a one-year loan switch to MLS side Charlotte FC from Turkish giants Galatasaray. The former Crystal Palace winger, who was lined up for a shock return to Selhurst Park last summer before tax issues complicated a deal, will play under former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith in North Carolina.
Charlotte have also negotiated an option to extend Zaha's loan through to June 2026, should they wish. The 32-year-old spent the first half of the campaign on loan in France with Lyon but only played 112 minutes of action during a frustrating short-lived spell in Ligue 1.
He made 43 appearances for Galatasaray, scoring 10 goals and winning the Turkish Super Lig last season following his free transfer from Palace in the summer of 2023. The Eagles had offered Zaha a new four-year contract worth in the region of £200,000 per week but the Ivory Coast international decided to pursue pastures new.
Zaha will occupy a Designated Player spot for Charlotte and has already trained with his new team-mates. Charlotte's General Manager Zoran Krneta, who played a fundamental role in landing the attacker, said of the club's new marquee signing: “Wilfried is a world class talent who has proven himself at the highest level of the sport as an elite goal scorer and chance creator.
"His performances in the Premier League and on the international level speak for themselves and we are confident that Wilfried can make an immediate impact in Major League Soccer. "He provides valuable versatility in the attacking areas of the pitch and adds that little bit of magic to our front line that can help us win more games. We are delighted to add a player of Wilfried’s pedigree and experience to our squad, and we’re excited to welcome him to Charlotte.”.
