17 February 2024 , 16:29
884
0
Wilfried Zaha could return to the Premier League at the end of the season, barely 12 months on from departing.
The winger brought his second spell with Crystal Palace to an end after eight years to join Galatasaray last summer. Zaha turned down a new deal with the Eagles that would have seen him commit for a further four years on a weekly wage of £200,000.
The 31-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Turkish side and has made a noticeable impact. Zaha has scored nine times and provided three assists in 21 Super Lig appearances and featured in each of his side's European games across the Champions League and Europa League.
That did not stop sides from taking an interest in January, with talkSPORT suggesting West Ham and Aston Villa were interested in making a move. The report suggests that Zaha was unwilling to consider a transfer after just six months at Galatasaray but he could be open to the idea in five months.
The ex-Palace star has still proven a menace to at least one Premier League side during his time in Turkey. Zaha netted against his former side Manchester United in the Champions League group stage in a 3-2 victory.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
The result helped contribute to Manchester United crashing out of the competition as they finished bottom of Group A, while Galatasaray finished third. Zaha's strike cancelled out Rasmus Hojlund's opener.
Wilfried Zaha shrugged off the jeers and boos (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)The Ivory Coast international was able to hold off Diogo Dalot when United were unable to deal with a long ball, and finished past Andre Onana. Zaha was able to wheel away towards supporters with a big smile on his face before responding to boos by cupping his hands to his ears and chuckling away.
Speaking ahead of that match, Zaha hinted that he was satisfied with his response to his Old Trafford struggles. He said: “I’ll be honest, when you look at my face do you think I am bothered at all? No.
“Realistically I think I went through a phase where you either build from it or you die out from it. And me personally, I was never going to die out from it. It built my character.
“I was determined to not let my career die out because I went somewhere and it didn’t work out. I was just determined to reach where I wanted to reach and I am here today.”
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our