August 15 2019

Wilfried Zaha

With the European transfer window still open until the end of August, Crystal Palace should cash in on their wantaway star Wilfried Zaha, writes Steve Toomey.

Zaha endured a successful 2018/19 campaign, netting 10 times and registering 10 assists in 34 league appearances for the Eagles. There is no doubt that he is the best player Palace have had in years, but if a player wants out, it is best to sell.

Marko Arnautovic is the perfect example of what can happen if you cling onto an unhappy player. The Austrian forward made it clear that he wanted to move to China in January of this year, but West Ham prevented the move and gave him a contract extension, only for him to play up again this summer.

The Hammers ended up selling him on the cheap, and we should sell Zaha before we find ourselves in a similar predicament.

The Ivory Coast forward made it apparent that he wants to leave and has been respectful in doing so. The 26-year-old is approaching the peak of his career, and if he wants to move across to north London, we should let him. With that money, we could reinvest and build a solid squad ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

If the club choose to keep Zaha at the club, it could affect the quality of his performances. If a player has no desire to play for that club anymore, why would they put their heart and soul into it? Sometimes it is better to part ways and use the resources gained to improve the overall complexion of the squad.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Zaha said: “I have to experience the Champions League. I just need the opportunity, that’s it. And I’ll do the rest.

“I’m too ambitious. And not ambitious just to play for a top club, but to win things at club level and with the Ivory Coast.

“For me to be better, to achieve what I know I am capable of, I have to aim to play at the very highest level, to win trophies.

“I’m blessed to have come this far in my playing career. But I feel like there is so much more I have to offer.”

Roy Hodgson admits £80m Wilfried Zaha could still leave Palace this summer amid Dortmund and Napoli transfer interest. Zaha is priced well to join either club, and you should visit https://bettingapps.org to get mobile betting offers if you think he will leave for Europe. When a player wants out, it is very difficult for a club to hold onto them, so these odds look great value.

If the Palace forward was to depart this summer, he would be remembered fondly for his service to the club and the moments of magic he has provided.

The money generated could substantially improve our squad for January's window, and coinciding with the departure of Aaron-Wan Bissaka, that would give Roy Hodgson some serious cash to work with.

Crystal Palace had players before Zaha and will have players after him. Of course, he is a fantastic player and a prized asset, but there is only so much money you can give a player before they inevitably move on. Our recruitment policy over the past couple of seasons has been much better, with the signing of Max Meyer exemplifying that.

With just a couple of weeks left of the European summer transfer window, it will be interesting to see if Palace decide to let him go this season with the team aiming to improve on last year's 12th-place finish.