Crystal Palace are off to a flying start having defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford followed by a crucial win against Aston Villa before the international break. The exit of Aaron Wan-Bissaka has not been felt yet and the Eagles, currently fourth in the league standings, have instead bolstered themselves by roping in veteran Gary Cahill on a Bosman transfer.
But the future of Wilfried Zaha is still unsorted even after his failed move to Arsenal or Everton. The suitors failed to meet Palace’s high asking fee, and the attacker is now forced to stay at the Selhurst Park until the next window. This is despite his best effort to move out of his boyhood club to experience a fresh challenge elsewhere.
The 26-year-old former England international switched his allegiance to Ivory Coast a few years back but has recently been withdrawn from Les Éléphants squad ahead of their friendly outing against Benin due to ‘personal problems’. Head coach Ibrahim Kamara addressed the reason ahead of the tie (via Abidjan Show) which, however, has refuelled the speculations over a potential January exit.
What’s Wrong With Wilfried Zaha?
Zaha has featured in all four of Crystal Palace’s Premier League fixtures. There’s been no complaint regarding his professionalism either, but the player is yet to find the net or register an assist even though he is being deployed in his preferred wide attacking role.
The Ivorian professional is trying his best to leave the club on good terms, but his performance has degraded drastically. Such instability might thwart him from accomplishing a high-profile transfer in the forthcoming future.
Why His Desired Move Might Be Jeopardised In Winter
Zaha committed his future at the club only a year back and is under contract until the summer of 2023. This has allowed Palace to put a hefty price tag on their prized asset and the current form he is in, won’t be doing him any favour in fulfiling the aspirations.
Arsenal lined up Nicolas Pepe in a mega-money swoop from Lille and are unlikely to return for the wantaway winger in the winter window. Everton, on the other hand, roped in Alex Iwobi, whereas the presence of Richarlison, Theo Walcott and Bernard suggests that the Toffees too are well equipped down the flanks after a busy as well as high-spending summer.
Zaha, therefore, must motivate himself for his own good and start exhibiting his expertise to attract the big guns.
