Will Zaha Be the Same Player After This Summer’s Transfer Saga?

Simple answer is no. Wilfried Zaha has had an eventful summer. He’s the one to get fans in and sell Crystal Palace tickets. The winger thought he was leaving to Arsenal at one point, and then it was Everton and before you knew it he was staying at Palace for another year.

The reason that no is the answer is because the former Manchester United midfielder handed in a transfer request. This changes all types of relationships with the very loyal fans of Crystal Palace. The supporters are what makes a club, in time there will be forgiveness purely for how much the winger has done for the club, however, it’s not good in the short-run. A slow start to a Premier League season can cause manager’s to be sacked and new styles to come in – but that’s not what Crystal Palace particularly need. Having failed to pick up three points in their opening two games the signs are already there that it might be a tough season this time around.

Zaha has all the potential in the world but he has to harness it. His attitude can let him down at times, and he’s seen as ‘petty’ for his reactions to various challenges over the past season. He has been frowned upon many times for various dives, in which he has been guilty yet still complains to the referee. Something that he has to cut out of his game.

At the same time, he may come back with a point to prove. Arsenal and Everton ended up deciding against the winger meaning that he might play like he has a point to prove. This would actually be very beneficial to the Eagles fans across London as hopefully that would see Zaha get back to his very best, which is almost unplayable.

He does need help and part of the reason why he won’t be the same is because of the awful transfer business that Crystal Palace have made. You look around that squad, and there’s no one apart from Zaha who you think can win a game. He probably feels the same way. The team and club are currently lacking ambition after selling Aaron Wan-Bissaka and not buying a replacement despite earning over £50 million from the transfer to Manchester United. That leaves them very light and as the season goes on, that could cause reals for the side.

It’s going to be a long season for Crystal Palace and they must have all their fingers crossed that Zaha can come back the same player, but it will be very unlikely. The club knows that he has had his head turned over the summer, the other players at the club know, as do the fans so it will be very hard for that relationship to retrieve again. Due to Zaha not coming back the same, they might well face a nervy relegation battle at Selhurst Park this season. Something that fans won’t want to see but might well have too.