Charlotte FC are nearing the signing of Wilfried Zaha as a Designated Player, although sources tell GOAL that a potential loan deal is not done yet.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Charlotte FC pursuing ZahaDeal not done yetWould join on an initial loan from GalatasarayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Wilfried Zaha could be on his way to MLS in a blockbuster move, with Charlotte FC seeking to bring the Ivorian on an initial loan deal this season.
Zaha is currently on loan with Lyon, but could soon be recalled to facilitate his new move to MLS, where he'd play under a somewhat familiar face in former Aston Villa coach Dean Smith. Sources have confirmed to GOAL that a deal is close, but there are still details to finalize before it gets over the line.
The 32-year-old winger is best known for his stint at Crystal Palace, where he played nine Premier League seasons. During that time he scored 81 goals and provided 43 assists in all competitions for Palace. Additionally, he spent one season with Manchester United but made just two appearances in between loan spells to Cardiff City and Palace, who he returned to on a permanent deal in 2015.
Zaha joined Galatasaray in July 2023 on a three-year deal and scored 10 goals in his first and, so far, only season in Turkey. He signed with Lyon on loan in August but has featured sparingly for the Ligue 1 side.
was first to report that Charlotte is closing in on a Zaha deal.
AdvertisementUSA Today Sports THE BIGGER PICTURE
Zaha would certainly fit the bill for Charlotte, who have been actively pursuing a dynamic attacking threat. Sources confirmed to GOAL that the club has previously pursued Miguel Almiron and Giovani Lo Celso as top-end stars, but it seems Zaha will be the guy brought in to ignite the team's forward unit.
"Somebody in the front part of the pitch that can create can score goals," Smith said when asked about the type of player he was looking to add before the MLS season kicks off. "Double digits, for me. They have to have that sort of quality where they can go and produce."
He added, "You look at the DPs in this league last season. [Cucho Hernandez] in Columbus scored a number of goals. You obviously have Messi. You got Bernardeschi in Toronto. These sort of players can win games for you.
"We need a player, I believe, that, when we're not playing so well and it's a 0-0 or 1-1 game, they can produce a bit of magic that can go win a game for you."
Charlotte has already made another big move this offseason, including bringing back midfielder Pep Biel on a non-DP deal following a loan spell last year.
Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?
In addition to his club career, Zaha is also an experienced international. After playing two games for England, Zaha made the switch to the Ivory Coast in 2017 and has gone on to earn 33 caps while featuring at the Africa Cup of Nations three times.
ImagnWHAT NEXT FOR CHARLOTTE FC?
Charlotte FC have just opened preseason ahead of the start of their MLS campaign. That will begin on Feb. 24, when they'll play host to New York City FC at Bank of America Stadium.
