Crystal Palace launch raid for Champions League player after club-record deal offered

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish and manager Oliver Glasner are working around the clock to bring academy-produced Wilfried Zaha back to the club, just a year after he turned down the chance to sign a long-term deal and moved to Turkey instead where he won the Turkish League.

Last summer, Zaha surprised many when he turned down the opportunity to become the club’s highest-ever paid player on a £200k-a-week wage. That was a record offer for the Eagles but Zaha still didn't fancy it and moved on.

At the time, sources told LondonWorld that he was considering the future and ambition of the club after they sacked Patrick Vieira and brought back Roy Hodgson, who saved them from a potential relegation fight.

Since Zaha left for Galatasaray where he played in the Champions League and even scored against Manchester United in a 3-2, the Eagles have not looked back. They have hired the progressive Europa League winner Oliver Glasner from Eintracht Frankfurt. Last season, the Eagles ended the campaign as one of the best teams, catching the eye with their displays and dominating teams into submission, including Liverpool.

Sources have told LondonWorld that Zaha has grown frustrated by his lack of playing time in Turkey, having started only 13 of the 30 games he played for the club, even though he scored nine times as they won the league.

The forward is particularly disappointed by the fact that he became a bench-warmer towards the end of the season, despite being brought in as a high-profile signing. South London Sports is also backing LondonWorld’s report, confirming that the Eagles are looking at the numbers and exploring ways to bring their best player back to the Premier League.

The Eagles have lost the pace of Michael Olise, who left for Bayern Munich this summer after another jaw-dropping campaign that saw him score 10 goals. They have signed Senegalese winger Ismaila Sarr, but bringing Zaha back would be seen as the ultimate win, as he’s a fan favourite. Playing under Glasner could help him rediscover his best form.