Crystal Palace is set to lose no fewer than six players this year. James MacArthur and Luka Milivojevic have already confirmed that they will be departing Selhurst Park but could be followed by Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Ward and James Tomkins. However, the biggest departure would be that of the talismanic Wilfried Zaha who is set to end his 8-year stay with Crystal Palace.
Wilfried Zaha and Palace
Having come through the youth system with Palace, there has been a strong connection between Zaha and Palace. The Ivorian has played for in four different spells including two loan spells following his big-money move to Manchester United in his younger years.
Now 30 years old, he has ambitions of playing in Europe and this has certainly been made abundantly clear over many a transfer window. Yet, to his credit, he has stayed with Palace longer than he should have done and been loyal to the club that brought him through their ranks.
European ambitions
The tricky winger has been a standout performer for many years and has played with pride each time he has put on the shirt of the Eagles but this could be the end of the road for the former Cardiff loanee. However, with these ambitions of European football, there may not be many sides that would sign Wilfried Zaha in England.
With Liverpool unlikely to sign an older winger and Brighton, rivals with Palace, unlikely to be able to secure his signature due to wage demands.
It had been speculated that Tottenham Hotspur would be the ones to win his signature due to the fact they are a London club but with them potentially missing out on Europe that deal could be dead in the water.
However, Zaha might have to look at moving abroad which you imagine he is not averse to doing in the hope of getting European football. Saying that though Marseille will not be one of those clubs as they have ruled themselves out of any such deal.
Future at Crystal Palace?
Palace are not going down without a fight and are willing to keep their man this summer. They have reportedly offered Zaha a £200,000 a week contract! It is staggering that they are willing to offer him such a deal but it shows the importance Zaha has on the team.
Could that money be spent wisely in other places? Perhaps considering Palace do have exciting talents in Michael Olise and Ebre Eze but the experience of Zaha could help them push for a European place next year.