Galatasaray Signs Wilfried Zaha, Former Crystal Palace Forward
Former Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha has found a new home with Galatasaray, making the move after his contract with Crystal Palace expired. The 30-year-old has inked a three-year deal with the Turkish club, which includes a signing-on fee of 2.35 million euros (£2 million) and an annual salary of 4.35 million euros (£3.75 million), according to the club’s announcement.
Zaha’s football journey began at Palace when he was just 12 years old, and he spent the majority of his career there. His time with the Eagles was marked by remarkable achievements, making 458 appearances and netting 90 goals, the third-highest in the club’s history. Last season, he scored seven times and even captained the team before a hamstring injury sidelined him for the final two matches of the campaign.
In a heartfelt message to the Palace fans a day before his transfer was unveiled, Zaha expressed his gratitude to the chairman, Steve Parish, teammates, coaches, and the entire fanbase for their unwavering support throughout his career. He cherished the opportunity to play in front of the fans and considered them family since the day they welcomed him.
Zaha made his senior debut at the age of 17 in 2010 and swiftly became a regular part of the Eagles’ first team, contributing significantly to their promotion to the Premier League in 2013. His talent was recognized by Manchester United, who acquired him for £10 million, but his time with the Red Devils was brief, and he returned to Palace on loan after just two appearances. The move was eventually made permanent in January 2015.
Having demonstrated his prowess in front of goal, Zaha’s talents attracted interest from other clubs, including Arsenal and Everton, but Palace turned down their offers in 2019. Even at the end of the 2022-23 season, the club offered him a lucrative £200,000-a-week contract, which would have been their highest ever, but his existing deal expired on June 30.
Before joining Galatasaray, Zaha was also linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, where several former Premier League players now play.
As Zaha moves on to his new challenge in Turkey, Crystal Palace will once again be under the guidance of Roy Hodgson for the upcoming season. The 75-year-old manager agreed to a one-year deal after taking over from former boss Patrick Vieira in March. Additionally, the Eagles have signed midfielder Jefferson Lerma from Bournemouth on a free transfer, while goalkeeper Jack Butland and midfielders Luka Milivojevic and James McArthur have also left the club following the end of their contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wilfried Zaha: Galatasaray signing
1. Who has signed with Galatasaray?
Wilfried Zaha, the former Crystal Palace forward, has signed with Galatasaray.
2. How long is Zaha’s contract with Galatasaray?
Zaha’s contract with Galatasaray is for three years.
3. What are the financial details of Zaha’s transfer?
According to the Turkish club’s announcement, Zaha will receive a signing-on fee of 2.35 million euros (£2 million) and an annual salary of 4.35 million euros (£3.75 million).
4. How long did Zaha spend at Crystal Palace?
Wilfried Zaha spent a considerable part of his football career at Crystal Palace, having joined the club at the young age of 12.
5. How many appearances did Zaha make for Crystal Palace?
During his time at Crystal Palace, Zaha made 458 appearances for the club, which is the third-highest in the club’s history.
6. How many goals did Zaha score for Crystal Palace?
Zaha netted 90 goals for Crystal Palace during his tenure at the club.
7. What message did Zaha convey to the Palace fans?
In a message to the Palace fans prior to his move, Zaha expressed gratitude to the chairman, teammates, coaches, and the entire fanbase for their support and considered them family.
8. When did Zaha make his senior debut?
Wilfried Zaha made his senior debut for Crystal Palace at the age of 17 in 2010.
9. Which club purchased Zaha after his time at Crystal Palace?
Manchester United purchased Wilfried Zaha for £10 million but he made only two appearances for the club before returning to Palace on loan.
10. Has Zaha been linked with moves away from Crystal Palace before?
Yes, over the years, Zaha has been linked with moves away from Crystal Palace, with offers from clubs like Arsenal and Everton being rejected by the club in 2019.
11. What other options were available to Zaha before joining Galatasaray?
Before joining Galatasaray, Zaha was also reportedly linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, where several other former Premier League players have been playing.
12. Who will be managing Crystal Palace for the upcoming season?
For the upcoming season, Crystal Palace will once again be managed by Roy Hodgson, who agreed to a one-year deal after taking over from former boss Patrick Vieira in March.
13. Which players have also left Crystal Palace upon the end of their contracts?
Along with Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace also saw the departures of goalkeeper Jack Butland, midfielders Luka Milivojevic, and James McArthur upon the end of their contracts.
More about Wilfried Zaha: Galatasaray signing
- “Wilfried Zaha: Galatasaray sign former Crystal Palace forward” (BBC Sport)
- “Wilfried Zaha completes Galatasaray move” (Galatasaray Official Website)
- “Crystal Palace Player Profile: Wilfried Zaha” (Crystal Palace FC Official Website)
- “Wilfried Zaha’s career stats” (Transfermarkt)
- “Wilfried Zaha: Galatasaray transfer news, rumors, and updates” (Goal.com)
- “Galatasaray: Latest news and updates” (Sky Sports)