The expectation within football is that reported Liverpool transfer target Wilfried Zaha is going to leave on a free transfer next summer.
That’s according to journalist David Ornstein. Speaking on the FIVE podcast, Ornstein touched on Zaha’s situation, after rumours of a move to Liverpool appeared earlier in the week.
“Well, Crystal Palace would dearly love to sign Zaha to a new contract I am sure. But with free agency looming, he’s never had that big move,” he said. “We’ve seen Arsenal heavily consider him before they got Nicolas Pepe in 2019. We’ve seen Tottenham heavily linked a various points, we’ve seen Chelsea consider him at various points.
“Palace value him so highly because they know that without him there’s a good chance they could be in a relegation scrap. And if they were relegated, what would that fee be worth in terms of the revenue and prestige you lose if you go down?
“There will be a number of clubs who look at this as a free agent. Palace will push to negotiate, I’m not sure if there are talks at this time, but many in the game feel he will hold out and go as a Bosman free agent and play in the Champions League – a level many people think he belongs at.”
Zaha cropping up on Liverpool’s radar
Ornstein doesn’t mention Liverpool specifically here, with three London clubs namechecked instead.
Zaha famously struggled to acclimatise to his move up North when he joined Manchester United in 2013. As a result, it would make sense for him to stay in the capital.
However, according to Calciomercato this week, the 29-year-old is actually really keen to join Liverpool. Zaha reportedly ‘likes’ Jurgen Klopp’s team and would happily move back to the North West.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that Liverpool want him back, though. Right at this moment they don’t really need another left-sided forward but, regardless, he’d add plenty to the squad.
Calciomercato seemingly think that the Reds interest goes further than that, though. Today, the Italian outlet reports that Liverpool want Zaha in January to help deal with the loss of Diogo Jota to injury.
Obviously, this would mean that they would have to pay for the Ivory Coast star. Back in August, Fabrizio Romano told Caught Offside that Palace were looking for £25m-£30m for Zaha this summer.
January would be the Eagles final chance to sell him, though. Therefore, you’d think that price would have to be reduced further.
However, Zaha is hugely important to his current club. They may see it as worthwhile for him to help them for the rest of the season rather than sell him on the cheap. Maybe more for next summer, but this is one to keep an eye on.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
