Transfer Centre

Wilfried Zaha 'set to join Galatasaray on a free transfer'

By Ben Sully | 23 July 2023

Galatasaray are reportedly set to sign Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at the end of last season.

Former Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha is reportedly set to sign for Galatasaray on a free transfer.

The 30-year-old has been weighing up his options since his Crystal Palace contract expired at the end of last season.

Palace were keen to retain the services of one of their key players and tabled a contract offer believed to be worth £200,000 a week.

Italian club Lazio and Turkish giants Fenerbahce were linked with Zaha, while there was also interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Nassr allegedly proposed a £30m-a-year deal, which was subsequently rejected by Zaha, who was determined to remain in Europe.

Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha in action with Tottenham Hotspur's Bryan Gil and Oliver Skipp on January 4, 2023 © Reuters

Following the widespread speculation surrounding his next move, it now appears that Zaha's future has been resolved after Galatasaray confirmed that they were in negotiations with the striker.

In a statement, Galatasaray said: "Formal negotiations have been initiated with professional footballer Dazet Wilfried Armel Zaha regarding the transfer of the footballer to our club."

They also shared a video on their social media of Zaha on a private jet before travelling to Ataturk Airport ahead of his move.

In a message to the Galatasaray supporters, Zaha said: "Hello Gala fans. I just want to say I'm on my way, can't wait to see you soon."

21.30'da Atatürk Havalimanı Genel Havacılık Terminali'nde görüşmek üzere! 🔥#ÖnceSahadaŞimdiZahada pic.twitter.com/bJJp1TosQa
— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) July 23, 2023

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Zaha has already reached an agreement with Galatasaray and the required paperwork is now being finalised.

The Ivory Coast international will undergo a medical, before putting pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Turkish Super Lig champions.

Zaha has never played in the Champions League, but that could soon change, with the Turkish club currently involved in the second qualifying round.

The news of Zaha's imminent move confirms the end of his association with Crystal Palace, where he made 458 appearances across two spells, scoring 90 goals and providing 76 assists.