Ex-Premier League Star Zaha Joins MLS Team Charlotte FC on Loan
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Synopsis
Charlotte FC has secured a loan deal for former Premier League forward Wilfried Zaha from Galatasaray until January 17, 2026, with an option for extension. Zaha will fill a Designated Player role and an international slot in the club's 2025 roster.
Key Takeaways
- Wilfried Zaha joins Charlotte FC on loan.
- The loan lasts until January 2026, with an option for extension.
- Zaha has a rich Premier League history with notable clubs.
- He scored 90 goals for Crystal Palace, making him a club legend.
- Zaha switched national allegiance to the Ivory Coast.
Charlotte, Jan 22 (NationPress) Charlotte FC has signed Wilfried Zaha, a former Premier League striker, on loan from Galatasaray until January 17, 2026, with a potential extension option until June 30, 2026. Zaha will take up a Designated Player position and an international roster spot on the Club's 2025 roster.
The Ivory Coast international enjoyed a decade in the Premier League with clubs including Crystal Palace, Manchester United, and Cardiff City, scoring a total of 68 goals in 305 appearances. His most significant tenure was with the Eagles, where he netted 90 goals and provided 52 assists in 458 matches across all competitions.
Zaha's journey began at the age of 8 when he joined the Eagles and he made his professional debut at 17 in the EFL Championship during the 2009/10 season. He quickly became a key player at Selhurst Park, making 41 league appearances in his second season. His performances caught the attention of Manchester United, who signed him in January 2013, although he remained at Palace on loan for the rest of that season.
His contribution of six goals and seven assists in the 2012/13 season helped the Eagles secure a spot in the EFL Championship Playoffs. Zaha scored twice in the semifinal against Brighton & Hove Albion, propelling the team back to the Premier League for the first time since 2004/05. He made four appearances for United before joining Cardiff City on loan, where he played 13 matches in all competitions. After another loan to Palace in 2014/15, he completed a permanent return to Selhurst Park in 2015.
The forward rose to prominence during the 2016/17 season, scoring seven goals and recording nine assists. He continued to have seasons with over 12 goal contributions, reaching a career-high of 14 goals in 2021/22. By the end of his time in London, Zaha had played the third most matches in Crystal Palace history (458) and ranked 10th in goals scored (90).
In the summer of 2023, Zaha transferred to Turkish club Galatasaray, making 43 appearances and scoring 10 goals with five assists during the title-winning season.
After one match in the TFF Super Kupa with Galatasaray at the start of the 2024/25 season, he had a brief loan to Lyon in France, playing six matches including two in the UEFA Europa League, where he assisted in a 2-0 win over Olympiacos.
Internationally, Zaha played for England at youth levels and received his first senior call-up for a friendly against Sweden in November 2012. Despite two appearances, he never played in a competitive match for England.
He switched his allegiance to the Ivory Coast before the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, debuting in January 2017 with a friendly assist against Sweden. Since then, he has earned 33 caps, scoring four goals and providing six assists.
