Wilfried Zaha is back at Crystal Palace this summer, but Eagles supporters shouldn’t get too excited about a potential third spell for the club legend.
The 33-year-old is currently using Palace’s training facilities to maintain his fitness while he looks for his next club. Zaha became a free agent after his Galatasaray contract expired at the end of June and is heading into the new season without a team.
Crystal Palace have agreed to let their former star train at the club on an informal basis, allowing him to work in familiar surroundings while he considers his next move.
However, according to a report by The Sun, a return for Wilfried Zaha to Selhurst Park isn’t currently being considered.
Wilfried Zaha is keeping himself ready for another move
Wilfried Zaha spent just one full season with Galatasaray before being sent out on loan, first to Lyon and then to MLS side Charlotte FC.
He made 43 appearances for the Turkish club, scoring 10 goals, but ultimately left after spending time away from the squad on loan.
His latest spell came in MLS, where he played for Charlotte for around a year and a half. Zaha finished that period with 13 goals and eight assists from 48 appearances.
Now, at 33, the former Crystal Palace favourite could be looking for one last major move in his career.
Training at his old club gives him the opportunity to stay sharp while he waits for the right opportunity.
And there is plenty of history between Zaha and Palace.
He joined the club’s academy at just eight years old in 2000 before making his senior debut a decade later. He played a major role in Palace’s promotion back to the Premier League, scoring 18 goals and providing 20 assists across 143 matches during that period.
Palace fans will have to wait for Zaha reunion
Zaha left for Manchester United in 2013 after the club agreed a reported £15m. His time at Old Trafford didn’t work out and a permanent return to Palace was completed in February 2015.
Zaha remained at Selhurst Park until July 2023, making 458 appearances across his two spells and recording 90 goals and 54 assists. He also won the club’s Player of the Year award three times.
But for the moment, that’s all it is.
Palace have given their former star permission to use the facilities for personal training purposes while he searches for a new club. There is no longer-term arrangement being considered, and the Eagles aren’t currently looking at bringing him back as a player.
Zaha’s return to the training ground may bring back plenty of memories for Palace supporters. But unless the situation changes, his latest appearance at Selhurst Park will remain a temporary one.
The club legend is simply keeping himself ready for whatever comes next.
