€8m market value 

©TM/IMAGO

Wilfried Zaha has departed Galatasaray on loan to join MLS side Charlotte FC on an initial deal until January 2026. The 32-year-old spent the first half of the season on-loan at Lyon but he only made six appearances, with five of those arriving as a substitute. But the tricky winger is on the move again to embrace a new challenge in the United States with Charlotte and he will link up with former Premier League boss Dean Smith.

Zaha departed Crystal Palace for Turkey in 2023 and enjoyed a successful maiden season as Galatasaray won the Super Lig with the Ivory Coast international providing 10 goals and five assists in 42 games. But he fell out of favour with the Istanbul giants and he’s now joined Charlotte with the MLS club having an option to extend the deal until June 2026.

Wilfred Zaha labelled ‘world class talent’

Zaha arrives as a ‘Designated Player’ at Charlotte, which allows MLS franchises to sign a maximum of three players outside of the club’s salary cap. And Charlotte’s General Manager Zoran Krneta believes they’ve signed a ‘world class talent’ in the former Manchester United attacker.

“Wilfred is a world class talent who has proven himself at the highest level of the sport as an elite goal scorer and chance creator,” Krneta said. “His performances in the Premier League and on the international level speak for themselves and we are confident that Wilfred can make an immediate impact in Major League Soccer. He provides valuable versatility in the attacking areas of the pitch and adds that little bit of magic to our front line that can help us win more games. We are delighted to add a player of Wilfred’s pedigree and experience to our squad, and we’re excited to welcome him to Charlotte.”