Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace

Premier League • England

Crystal Palace willing to see the back of iconic figure amid emergence of young stars

Wilfried Zaha, Conor Gallagher, Crystal Palace, April 2022.

Crystal Palace are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Wilfried Zaha, with emergence of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze taking the load off him.

Zaha has long been Crystal Palace’s best player. He is their all-time top goalscorer in the Premier League by some way, with 57 goals.

The forward has racked up 421 appearances for the Eagles across his two spells at the club. His move to Manchester United not working out was a blessing for Palace, as he was able to return and continue to impress.

There has only been one season in the past six that Zaha has not contributed to over 10 goals. His best return was 10 goals and 10 assists in the 2018/19 campaign.

While he is clearly a crucial asset, Crystal Palace are no longer a one-man team. Indeed, the emergence of quality youngsters such as Olise and Eze have taken the load off Zaha in terms of being the creative spark at Selhurst Park.

Both players operate in the same positions as Zaha, and have shown real quality at the club. Eze contributed to 10 Premier League goals in his first season, and Olise has contributed to 12 in all competitions this term.

As such, the Daily Mail reports that Palace are willing to listen to offers for Zaha.

Of course, the Ivorian is still a crucial member of the Eagles’ side. He has bagged 10 goals in the Premier League already this season.

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He has been party to Palace’s good season, as they currently sit ninth in the league table.

Despite that, the report suggests that Palace may be willing to see the back of Zaha, given they could keep afloat without him.

Contract situation influencing Zaha decision

Wilfried Zaha, Michael Olise, Crystal Palace, March 2022.

There is a belief that one of the reasons that Palace will listen to offers is Zaha’s contract. The winger’s deal runs out at the end of next season, and he could walk away for free at that time.

Given Palace once valued Zaha at £80million, seeing him move on for no fee would be less than ideal.

Therefore, selling up this summer could guarantee a decent fee, though how much Zaha would bring is another question.

What’s more, there is still a chance that Zaha will renew his deal. While the emergence of Eze and Olise could show Palace they can live without Zaha, it could also show the player that the team is adding quality around him, and it is worth staying.

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