Transfer News: Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha yet to take a decision on his future amid Liverpool interest
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha runs out of contract next summer per Transfermarkt. Liverpool have emerged as potential suitors for the Ivory Coast international (h/t Liverpool Echo).
The 29-year-old is a Premier League veteran and has 66 goals and 42 assists in 289 appearances in the English top tier. Apart from Palace, Zaha has also played for Manchester United and Cardiff City.
With his contract expiring next summer, Liverpool and Chelsea have shown interest in Zaha as per 90min (h/t Liverpool Echo). It was earlier reported that Zaha is open to a Liverpool move subject to Jurgen Klopp’s interest in the player.
However, Italian Transfer Journalist Fabrizio Romano said that Zaha has still not made any decisions about his future and things presently are uncertain. Here is what he wrote in his exclusive CaughtOffside column:
“Wilfried Zaha has not made any decision yet on his future. Crystal Palace have informed him of the intention to offer a new deal, but in this case, it’s only up to Zaha and he has not decided yet.”
“I think he could be an interesting solution for many big six clubs, but he needs to play regularly; it’s really important for him. As things stand, he could be a free agent next summer and that’s a great opportunity for many clubs, but let’s see what happens in the next few months.”
Regular football is a must for any player seeking a move elsewhere from a club they are currently employed at. However, the chance of playing Champions League football for Liverpool can also be an interesting suit for Zaha.
Zaha at Liverpool?
The Reds could do with the services of a player like the Ivorian in their current circumstances. Luis Diaz, the only natural left-winger at the club is out injured for a long time and Diogo Jota, who could put in a shift in that position also sees himself out for a prolonged period of time. Both of them are expected to return only after the conclusion of the World Cup.
If he were to take an extension at Palace, the decision would have probably not taken a long time, and the parties could possibly have agreed previously as well. This is something that could play the ball in the Reds’ court.
However, the only downside of signing Zaha would be his age. There is absolutely no doubt that he is a league veteran and would go down as a legend for Crystal Palace, but the fact that he is nearing 30 and his best playing days could be beyond him is something Liverpool need to be wary of.
The last thing Liverpool would want now is a player who is ageing as the average squad age of the Reds is among the highest in the tier and would want to bring it down rather than increase the average age of the squad.
More Liverpool News:
- Liverpool ace Luis Diaz shares a photo on social media as he continues recovery from injury
- Franck Kessie’s agent dismisses any rumour of unhappiness at FC Barcelona amid Liverpool rumours
- Italian giants eye Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita on a free transfer
Since his contract expires in 2023, the Eagles could be cornered to sell him as early as the January window so that they don’t lose their arguably best player for free.