Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace

Premier League • England

Contract woes put fear in Crystal Palace as major star could walk away for nothing

Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace, February 2022.

Crystal Palace are fearing the worst as one of their most influential players, Wilfried Zaha, could reportedly leave the club for free next year.

Zaha has been one of Palace’s best players over the past few years. Indeed, since returning from a tough spell with Manchester United he has found his feet again in south London.

The Ivorian international has scored 53 top-flight goals, all of them with Palace. What’s more, he is the club’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League.

However, the Daily Mail suggests the 29-year-old will not extend his contract at Selhurst Park.

Zaha’s contract is up next summer, and there is a feeling that he will leave Palace for free, rather than extend his stay.

There has been speculation about the winger moving on for much of his second spell with the club. It has seemed that he is a big fish in a small pond for some time, thanks to his consistent performances.

Palace, however, clearly do not want to see the talisman move on. Patrick Vieira described him as a “leader” in the initial stages of his tenure.

Speculation will now continue, as there are limited opportunities to ship Zaha out for a fee, rather than lose him for nothing.

Japhet Tanganga, Dele Alli, Dele Alli Crystal Palace v Tottenham September 2021

The likes of Arsenal and Chelsea have both been interested in the past. Although, the Eagles held out for £80 million when the Gunners and Everton were interested back in 2019.

Now, though, the star’s price tag will be much lower, and Palace may need to entertain the idea of selling.

Zaha could go but Kouyate may extend deal

Cheikhou Kouyate, Jairo Riedewalkd, Jeffrey Schlupp, James Ward-Prowse, Crystal Palace v Southampton, May 2021.

Elsewhere at Crystal Palace, there have been reported talks between the club and Cheikhou Kouyate regarding a new deal.

The star was reportedly surplus to requirements just months ago, despite his central role in the side.

Since he has returned from the African Cup of Nations there is a feeling that he should extend his stay.

The Eagles want to offer him an extra 12 months, though Kouyate himself in angling for an extra two years.

READ MORE: Potential rift between Crystal Palace and Patrick Vieira cited after Man Utd move ‘explored’