Having recently sacked his long-time agent, Will Salthouse, Wilfried Zaha once again sees his future taking new directions. Now without representation by an agent, football fans familiar with the ever-revolving rumour mill will be familiar with the name Mino Raiola.
The so-called ‘super agent’ has his services procured by a number of elite footballers; the likes of Paul Pogba, Matthijs de Ligt, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marco Veratti are among some of the world’s most recognisable talents that place their faith in the Italian-born Dutchman.
In a particularly intriguing development in the Zaha transfer saga, it now appears that Raiola is one of many key agents seeking to attract Zaha’s custom. According to the Daily Mail, Raiola has circled Zaha as one of his key targets that he desires to represent.
Although technically Zaha is still under contract for one last year with Salthouse’s Unique Sports Management (USM), any new brokered deal will result in USM receiving a compensatory package. However, this is unlikely to stop Zaha from turning down any new suitors, due to his clear intent to sever ties after proposed moves to Arsenal and Everton collapsed.
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So, what does this mean for Crystal Palace?
If nothing else, any moves towards the renowned Raiola will be a clear signal of intent. In securing representation that only the elite can garner, Zaha will be joining fine company on the list of Mino’s contacts.
Moreover, it is unlikely that Raiola would ever consider a move for Zaha’s representation if he didn’t feel any future deal would provide a lucrative agent fee sum. Once again, this is indicative that Raiola feels he can see a large-figure deal materialising in the future amid interest from some of European football’s most recognisable – and wealthiest – elite clubs.
Should a deal be reached between Zaha and Raiola, it should be taken as a massive signal of intent; expect more transfer news to hot up as the January and summer windows open next year.
