Crystal Palace needs to match Wilfried Zaha’s Galatasaray wages to secure a sensational loan deal, according to reports.
Zaha left Crystal Palace last summer on a free transfer to join Turkish club Galatasaray, where he went on to win the league in his first season. Despite this success, rumors are swirling that he could make a surprising return to Selhurst Park for a third spell with the Eagles.
According to The Evening Standard, talks between Crystal Palace and Galatasaray are ongoing regarding a potential loan deal for Zaha. Reports from Turkey suggest the winger is available, but there is a catch. To finalize the deal, Palace would need to match Zaha’s current wages at Galatasaray, which are reportedly around £170,000 per week. Additionally, Galatasaray is said to be seeking a £9 million loan fee to cover the Ivorian’s wages, and if financial terms are agreed upon, they are likely to allow him to leave.
Last summer, Zaha turned down a club-record £200,000 per week offer from Palace, opting instead to move to Turkey, despite interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Italy. During his time with Galatasaray, the 31-year-old scored ten goals and provided five assists in 43 appearances across all competitions. Zaha is considered a club legend at Palace, having made 458 appearances and scored 90 goals in his previous two spells with the team.
While Palace has already signed winger Ismaila Sarr this summer, a loan move for Zaha could still make sense. Such a move would undoubtedly excite the fans and help soften the blow of losing Michael Olise.