Wilfried Zaha has become one of the most sought-after players in recent weeks following a string of excellent performances for Crystal Palace. His performances have been a major reason behind the club managing four consecutive wins. The England winger has really blossomed since the arrival of Sam Allardyce so much so that he has been once again linked with a move to top clubs.
Zaha made his name at Crystal Palace before making the switch to Manchester United in 2013. He was spotted by former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who was very keen on signing the youngster. Even though Zaha had a lot of talent and potential, he was unable to stand out from the crowd at Manchester United. The plethora of highly talented youngsters at the club coupled with an intense competition for places meant that Zaha made only two appearances for United in the league before being sent out on loan once again, before making the move permanent one.
However, his extraordinary disappointment with Manchester United has been forgotten now. And Zaha has been heavily linked with a move away from Selhurst Park with Tottenham reported to be likeliest of the destinations.
Tottenham were interested in signing Zaha back in the summer, but their pursuit was thwarted by Palace, who reportedly rejected a bid from the North Londoners. And this has to be the priority for the player, according to BBC pundit Garth Crooks. He believes that Zaha should establish himself as a Premier league star over a consistent period of time before thinking about a move to a top club. He said:
“There is a lot of talk about the Ivorian joining Spurs in the summer. An attractive move for the player I must admit. Who wouldn’t want to add the possibility of playing Champions League football to his international career?
“However, may I suggest that Zaha, having had a disappointing period at Manchester United, takes a pause before considering White Hart Lane. Another season at Crystal Palace under the tutelage of Allardyce may be more beneficial to his overall development.
“Spurs have enough Fancy Dans in their line-up without adding to them. Palace, on the other hand, are in desperate need of flair and exuberance in an otherwise functional, but effective outfit. Still, if Zaha insists on a move to the Lane, who could blame him?”
Crooks does not expect Zaha to dislodge the likes of Christian Eriksen or Heung-Min Son straight away from the starting XI. Even in the absence of Erik Lamela, the manager is unlikely to fiddle with the front supporting three of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, and Son. These three players have been crucial in the club’s success this season.
Zaha may end up costing Tottenham quite a lot of money, but he is likely to remain as one of the squad players at White Hart Lane. This would negatively affect Zaha’s development, and he also appears to be a player who cherishes being the big fish in the small pond rather than the other way around.
The Ivorian has a contract with Crystal Palace until the summer of 2020, thus putting the London outfit in a strong position when it comes to negotiating a potential transfer fee. Crystal Palace are believed to be holding for around £25 million for the winger. Zaha has six goals and nine assists in 26 league games this season.
