Leicester City Closing in on Loan Deal for Galatasaray Star Wilfried Zaha
Leicester City are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign Galatasaray winger Wilfried Zaha on a season-long loan deal, according to Turkish media outlets.
The former Crystal Palace star joined the Turkish champions just last summer, but his future at the club now appears uncertain after falling out of favor towards the end of the previous campaign.
Turkish news outlet Ajanspor claims that the Foxes are in talks over a loan agreement that would see them pay around €9 million to secure Zaha’s services for the 2023/24 season. This fee is said to include the 30-year-old’s salary during his time at the King Power Stadium.
Galatasaray sporting director Cenk Ergün has also confirmed that Zaha has requested a transfer and is pushing to leave the club in the current window.
“Wilfried Zaha requested to leave. If he meets our conditions and the negotiations go well, we will make the necessary statement,” Ergün told reporters.
The Ivorian international made 42 appearances in all competitions for Galatasaray last season, scoring 10 goals. However, he was left out of the squad for their opening Süper Lig fixture of the new campaign last weekend, suggesting he is no longer part of manager Okan Buruk’s plans.
This could pave the way for a move to the Premier League, with Leicester City seemingly emerging as the frontrunners to secure his signature on a temporary basis.
The Foxes have endured a difficult start to the new season, suffering back-to-back defeats against Preston North End and Coventry City in the Carabao Cup and Championship respectively. Manager Enzo Maresca will be hoping that the addition of an experienced and proven talent like Zaha can help turn their fortunes around.
Zaha’s arrival would provide a much-needed boost to Leicester’s attacking options, with the Ivorian’s pace, skill and goal threat likely to complement the likes of James Maddison, Kelechi Iheanacho and Tete in the final third.
If the loan deal goes through, it would represent a significant coup for the East Midlands outfit, who are looking to bounce back from last season’s disappointing 14th-place finish in the Premier League.
Galatasaray, on the other hand, will be hoping to reinvest the loan fee into strengthening their own squad as they aim to defend their Süper Lig title and make an impact in the UEFA Champions League next term.
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