Exclusive: Wilfried Zaha decides future amid interest from Crystal Palace and Everton, terms are agreed

EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey HITC understands that former Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha is closing in on a summer move with hours remaining of the window. Last summer, Crystal Palace winger Wilfred Zaha decided to end his nine-year association with Crystal Palace and move to Turkish giants Galatasaray. Zaha netted against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League for Galatasaray as the Turkish side picked up a memorable 3-2 victory over the Red Devils at Old Trafford and condemned Erik ten Hag’s side to an early elimination from the competition.

As for Zaha, the Ivorian performed well in Turkey but sources have told HITC that the winger is now set to depart Galatasaray. Wilfried Zaha set to complete move to Lyon HITC sources have confirmed that Ivorian winger Zaha has agreed terms with Lyon to complete his move to the French giants. Lyon are set to seal a loan agreement with Galatasaray that will see the Ivorian move to Ligue 1.



HITC had reported that Zaha had held talks with a number of Premier League clubs including former employers Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Everton. Zaha was understood to be considering a return to England this month with a host of Premier League sides understood to be keen on signing the Ivorian but he is now heading to French giants Lyon. Despite interest from the Premier League, and indeed the players’ willingness to make a dramatic return to England, HITC understands that one of the reasons why Zaha will not return to the United Kingdom was due to tax issues, which meant a return was difficult.

John Textor played key role in Zaha deal HITC has been told that after the talks with Palace and Everton failed, that meant that Lyon owner John Textor new of Zaha’s availability and he has took advantage by making a swoop for his services. Textor played a key role in Everton agreeing a loan deal with Lyon for Orel Mangala and the owner has now had a big say on the future of Zaha. During Zaha’s time at Palace, the Ivorian became a cult hero with the forward scoring 90 goals and providing 62 assists in his 458 games for the club before leaving for Turkey.

Despite his excellent goal-scoring form in the Premier League, Zaha will not be returning to England; instead, he will embark on a new adventure in France..