Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha reportedly wants a move to Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the summer.
The Ivory Coast international, 29, has long been linked with a move to one of the Premier League’s big six clubs after a forgettable stint with Manchester United. He is out of contract at Selhurst Park in the summer of 2023 and has seemingly decided to not pen fresh terms.
According to Calciomercato, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of Wilfried Zaha and is eyeing a cut-price deal. The Crystal Palace star, who has been linked with the Reds in the past, is also understood to be keen on a move to Anfield.
Since rejoining Crystal Palace from Manchester United in 2015, Zaha has 65 goals in 267 appearances, and his performances have led to regular interest in his services. But the big move after a disappointing spell with United just hasn’t come his way yet, even though it appeared close on a couple of occasions.
Wilfried Zaha to Liverpool—Should the Reds go for him?
Wilfried Zaha is regarded as one of the best players in the Premier League outside of the pool of players belonging to the traditional ‘Big Six’ clubs. He has single-handedly carried Crystal Palace for a number of seasons, and continues to be the club’s talisman under the tutelage of Patrick Vieira.
With four goals and an assist in eight games, the Ivorian has started the new campaign very well, but with his contract with the Eagles up at the end of the season, rumours have already started floating about his future, with Liverpool understood to be among his suitors.
Jurgen Klopp lost Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich in the summer, and while the Reds had already bought in Luis Diaz from FC Porto in January, Mane’s absence has been overly felt this season. With Arsenal, Man City, Man United, Chelsea and Spurs spending big in the past transfer window, Klopp must add more quality and depth to his squad.
On a potential free transfer, signing Wilfried Zaha would make sense for a number of reasons for Liverpool.
Zaha can operate out wide as well as through the middle as a number nine, and will bring speed, energy, unpredictability, assists and goals to the Reds’ attack. Due to his pace, dribbling skills and direct approach, the Ivorian should fit Klopp’s system at Anfield like a glove.
Zaha is at the top of his game right now and has the qualities to thrive in a high-pressing Liverpool team. In addition, the ex-Man United man would also be a great option to have on the bench for Klopp, who requires a bigger squad depth to beat Man City to the Premier League title again.
That being said, the Reds signing Zaha next summer has to be a no-brainer.
