In a recent print edition, The Sunday People (30 June, Page 63) mentioned that West Ham United are in the running to land Galatasaray winger Wilfried Zaha this summer. It has been claimed that the Hammers are hoping to seal a cut-price move for the Ivory Coast international in this transfer window.
Zaha’s Impressive Form In Turkish Football
Zaha had a decent campaign at the Turkish club as he put in a string of impressive displays for them in the final third. The 31-year-old found the back of the net on ten occasions and secured five assists in 42 matches for Galatasaray last season in all competitions.
The Ivory Coast sensation has been a reliable performer in the opponent’s half based on his average of 1.6 shots, 0.8 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Turkish Super Lig. He has even been excellent when distributing the ball after completing 79.4% of his attempted passes in the Turkish top tier (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Galatasaray will expire in the summer of 2026. Hence, it won’t be easy for the Hammers to sign him on the cheap in this transfer period.
Should West Ham United Boss Julen Lopetegui Move In For Zaha?
Zaha remains a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and excels at earning fouls deep inside the opponent’s half. He can strike the ball purely and with power from long range and can even engineer the odd chance for others around him in the final third.
The Ivory Coast international mainly operates as a left-sided wide player but can also play as a right-winger or as a centre-forward if asked to do so. We can expect Zaha to add more firepower to West Ham Boss Julen Lopetegui’s attack. He is good enough to challenge for a regular starting spot at the East London club next season.
At 31, Zaha has still got a few good years left in his locker to play at his best. Therefore, Lopetegui would be wise to move in for the Ivory Coast wing wizard in this summer transfer window. Zaha already knows the Premier League well from his previous spell at Crystal Palace and won’t take much to settle into life at the London Stadium.
