He was subject to a lot of speculation during the transfer window
Wilfried Zaha has signed a new five year contract with Crystal Palace, keeping him at the club until 2023. The new deal makes him the highest paid player at the club.
Zaha last signed a five year contract with Palace in 2017, making the new contract effectively a one year extension on higher wages.
The forward was subject to a lot of speculation during the transfer window, with the likes of Tottenham and Chelsea both expressing interest in signing him.
Due to his importance to Palace’s chances of survival, the club demanded a fee in the range of £70m for the player, which no club was willing to pay.
Zaha has been at the club since he was 12 years old – barring one forgettable year as a Manchester United player – and equalled Chris Armstrong’s record as Palace’s highest ever goalscorer in the Premier League. He has made 288 appearances for the Eagles since making his debut in 2010, scoring 44 goals in that time.
After signing a new deal with the club, the Ivorian said:
“I’m very pleased. Obviously, I just wanted to get it over and done with, so I can just focus on the season. I’m buzzing that we managed to get it sorted.”
Palace chairman Steve Parish also expressed his joy at the news of Zaha signing a new deal.
“Wilf grew up a stone’s throw from Selhurst Park from the age of four, and has been with the club since he was 12. This agreement is yet another example of his lifelong commitment to the club, and our commitment to him. This is an amazing day for everyone here at Palace, our supporters and of course Wilf – and is richly deserved,” Parish said.
