Wilfried Zaha has been an instrumental part of Roy Hodgson’s quest to keep Crystal Palace afloat in the Premier League. The Ivory Coast international’s stellar play has naturally led to speculation that he could seek a summer transfer to a bigger club. Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have already been mentioned as teams with potential interest in making the swoop.
The winger recently told Sky Sports that his focus is on his current club, and that he has no current plans to move away from Selhurst Park. Zaha said, “There’s always going to be speculation. I am just trying to keep my head down, play my football. I am enjoying my football and I am contracted at Palace. I don’t really see myself anywhere else.”
If you’re new to betting, yes, you can bet on whether a player switches teams. In fact, sportsbooks like Ladbrokes give Chelsea 5/2 odds at securing Zaha’s signature this summer. Spurs check in at 4/1.
Zaha has bagged eight goals in 27 appearances for the Eagles in the Premier League this season. His uptick in performance has coincided with his team’s ascendance out of the relegation zone following a disastrous start.
Zaha has thrived at Palace after a tumultuous spell at Manchester United. Still only 25, the player now realizes that his two-year stint with the Red Devils wasn’t the best place for him as a young player.
However, he also said that he would not dismiss a move to a big club despite his lousy previous spell at Old Trafford. Zaha said, “I moved away when I was 19, 20. Whatever happened before happened and I have grown mentally. So that won’t scare me, if I get the opportunity to move away eventually, that will not scare me because of what happened in the past.”
Zaha began his professional career at palace before moving to United in 2013. He came back to Palace on loan that season after joining United before spending time in 2014 on loan at Cardiff. He was once again loaned to Palace to start the 2014-15, where he’s been ever since. The player’s move to Selhurst Park was made permanent in February of 2015.
Zaha added, “I feel like I’m a different person and a different player. I am a very ambitious person. I feel like I am a good player.”
One would imagine Zaha will leave Palace if the right opportunity arises.
