WILFRIED ZAHA HAS signed for Crystal Palace on a permanent transfer after a disappointing spell at Manchester United, the London club announced on Monday, while the departure of veteran midfielder Darren Fletcher to West Brom was also confirmed.
The 22-year-old winger, who returned to Palace on loan at the start of the season, has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
“I wasn’t getting much game time at Manchester United so took the opportunity of coming back on loan this season,” Zaha told Palace’s official website.
“To now have the chance to make the move permanent and come home to Selhurst Park is something I’m delighted about.”
Zaha was the last player signed by former United manager Alex Ferguson prior to his retirement, joining in January 2013 for a fee that could have risen to £15 million (19.9 million euros).
He returned to Palace on loan for the remainder of that season and helped the club secure promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.
But the skilful Ivory Coast-born player made just four appearances for United and spent part of last season on loan at Cardiff City before returning to Palace on loan last August.
The England international has made 19 appearances for Palace this season, scoring once.
Zaha becomes Palace manager Alan Pardew’s fifth signing of the January transfer window after Jordon Mutch, Shola Ameobi, Pape Souare and on-loan Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo.
Delighted for Carty!
Correct choice in James Ryan. 22years of age and any team in the world would have him starting. So important to us for the future. Congratulations to him.
@David: except saracens who would start itoje and kruis over James all day. Not saying James isn’t top notch but just sometimes the paddies can get carried away. E.g krus and itoje and alun W.J are all ahead of James atm. But he has time on his side!
@Kevin O’brien: you make no argument for what you say so it’s hard to disprove but there’s little evidence to suggest that on form you’re right
@Kevin O’brien: sweet Jesus. I guess this is based on a certain set of games where the first two named locks were victorious?. It’s easy to view all of the above as “ahead” of Ryan when you’re surrounded by massive men who punch holes for, and with you. Imagine what Ryan would have been like against those teams if he had a back row of Saracens and England’s ballast and quality supporting him. At 22 Ryan has a huge level of expectation upon him. AWJ is a legend and has a great all round game, but Itoje and Kruis don’t have Ryan’s skill (although I’d like to see more of it), They’re all great players and any one of them would be a great partner for Ryan on a Lions tour.
@Kevin O’brien: except Saracens didn’t even start Itoje at lock against Leinster.
@Kevin O’brien: nah. I stand by what I say. But hey have a knock you are entitled to your opinion too. All great players.
@Kevin O’brien: no they’d move one of them to 6. James Ryan would be an allblack if he was from there.
Best player in the country by far
Goat of the year
@JMG: Greatest of all time of the year? Or you think he is an actual farm animal?
Nice triggsy
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: finally a decent player from micheals