West Ham United might not land Wilfried Zaha in the summer transfer window, with the deal for the 31-year-old Ivory Coast international breaking down.
According to a report by Turkish outlet Sporx, Wilfried Zaha is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers want to bring the 31-year-old back to the Premier League in the summer transfer window, a year after he joined Galatasaray. However, they do not want to pay a transfer fee for the experienced attacker, with the move collapsing.
Wilfried Zaha and his short Galatasaray journey
Wilfried Zaha has been a solid addition to the Galatasaray squad after he arrived in a Bosman move last summer. A native of Abidjan, he spent his formative years in England and graduated from the youth division at Crystal Palace. He rose in prominence during his first spell with the South London club, compelling Manchester United to sign him in 2013.
Zaha was the last signing by Sir Alex Ferguson, but he endured a horrendous spell with Crystal Palace. The Ivory Coast international’s Manchester United horrors ended when he returned to Selhurst Park in 2015. The player was exceptional for the Eagles in the subsequent eight years before leaving as a free agent last summer.
Zaha enjoyed a solid 2023/24 campaign with Galatasaray, even though he was not an undisputed first-choice starter. The former Crystal Palace talisman contributed to 15 goals in 42 outings across all competitions by finding the back of the net ten times while providing five assists. Zaha’s performances for the Turkish outfit have not gone unnoticed, with West Ham among his prospective suitors.
London return on the cards?
West Ham United’s interest in Wilfried Zaha is understandable. The Hammers have been scouring the market for a wide attacker heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Lucas Paqueta due to his betting scandal.
Zaha has thus emerged as a viable target for West Ham, with the East London club recently contacting his entourage. However, a summer move will unlikely see the light of day, with West Ham and Galatasaray differing on the transfer fee.
While the Turkish giants want to take Zaha’s wages off their books, West Ham will look to seal a cost-effective deal to bring the 31-year-old back to the Premier League. So, unless a club can compromise, a summer move will not materialise.
