HITC understands former Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha is closing in on a summer move with hours to go.
Last summer, Crystal Palace winger Wilfred Zaha decided to end his nine-year association with Crystal Palace and move to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Zaha scored against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League for Galatasaray as the Turkish side recorded a memorable 3-2 win over the Red Devils at Old Trafford and condemned Erik ten Hag’s side to an early exit from the competition.
As for Zaha, the Ivorian has performed well in Turkey but sources have told HITC that the winger will now leave Galatasaray.
Wilfried Zaha will complete his move to Lyon
Ivorian winger Zaha has agreed terms with Lyon to complete a move to the French giants, HITC sources have confirmed.
Lyon are set to sign a loan deal with Galatasaray that will see the Ivorians move to Ligue 1.
HITC reported that Zaha was in talks with a number of Premier League clubs, including former employers Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Everton.
Zaha was thought to be considering a return to England this month, with a number of Premier League sides believed to be keen on signing the Ivorian, but is now on his way to French giants Lyon.
Despite interest from the Premier League and the players willingness to make a dramatic return to England, HITC understands that one of the reasons why Zaha will not be returning to the UK has been tax issues which have made a return difficult.
John Textor played a key role in the Zaha deal
HITC has learned that after talks with Palace and Everton failed, it meant Lyon owner John Textor was new to Zaha’s availability and took advantage of it by snapping up his services.
Textor played a key role in Everton agreeing Orel Mangala’s loan deal with Lyon, and the owner now has a major say in Zaha’s future.
During Zaha’s time at Palace, the Ivorian became a cult hero as the striker scored 90 goals and provided 62 assists in his 458 appearances for the club before leaving for Turkey.
Despite his excellent scoring form in the Premier League, Zaha will not return to England; instead, he will embark on a new adventure in France.