Wilfried Zaha completes shock loan move as former Crystal Palace hero links up with ex-Premier League boss

Wilfried Zaha has completed a loan move from Turkish giants Galatasaray to join Charlotte FC on loan until January 2026.

He will link up with former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith at the MLS side, and his deal includes an option to extend until July 2026.

The former Crystal Palace star was on loan with Lyon having joined from Galatasaray last summer but has struggled for game time in France, having made just six appearances this season, five of them off the bench.

Zaha, who has not played a minute of professional football since December 7, has already begun training with Charlotte ahead of their MLS season opener against Seattle Sounders on February 22.

The 32-year-old will occupy a Designated Player spot and international roster slot on the club's 2025 roster - a rule which allows MLS franchises to sign up to three players that would exceed exceed a club's normal salary cap.

Often known as the 'Beckham rule', coined after David Beckham's blockbuster move to LA Galaxy in 2007, the rule enables teams to compete for star players in the international football market.

Wilfried Zaha has joined Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC on loan until January 2026

The 32-year-old was on loan at Lyon from Galatasaray, but struggled for game time in Ligue 1

He joined the Turkish giants in 2023 after nine years and 458 appearances at Crystal Palace

Game-breaker. Headline-maker. Ready to don the Black & Blue.

𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐙𝐀𝐇𝐀 𝐈𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐍 👑 pic.twitter.com/9Wvt9pyMre — Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) January 22, 2025

Regarding Zaha's sensational move, Charlotte's General Manager Zoran Krneta said: 'Wilfred is a world class talent who has proven himself at the highest level of the sport as an elite goal scorer and chance creator.

'His performances in the Premier League and on the international level speak for themselves and we are confident that Wilfred can make an immediate impact in Major League Soccer.'

'He provides valuable versatility in the attacking areas of the pitch and adds that little bit of magic to our front line that can help us win more games.

'We are delighted to add a player of Wilfred's pedigree and experience to our squad, and we're excited to welcome him to Charlotte.'

Zaha spent nine years with Crystal Palace, initially joining on loan in 2014 from Man United, before permanently signing in 2015.

Prior to this, he was with the Eagles from the age of 12, beginning his academy journey in south London in 2004. He left in 2013 to join United for a £10million fee, but was instantly loaned back to Palace.

After struggling to break through under David Moyes, he endured a six-month loan spell at Cardiff, before eventually settling back at Palace.

He tallied 90 goals and 52 assists across 458 games in all competitions for them and has made the third most appearances in the club's history.

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