Former Manchester United winger eyed by MLS side in ambitious move

Zaha is reportedly a target for Charlotte FC, who finished 5th in the Eastern Conference in 2024.

As we move into the latter days of January, various MLS teams are actively looking to improve their squads before the new season. Charlotte FC are one of those teams who, after a solid campaign that saw them finish 5th, will want to go one better in 2025.

As such, plenty of names have been linked to the North Carolina side, with the latest player causing a stir in the fanbase. Wilfried Zaha is, according to Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport, in talks with the club over a loan deal from his current side Galatasaray.

The player, currently on loan at French side Olympique Lyonnais, will be recalled and sent stateside as a Designated Player should the deal go through.

Zaha’s disappointing record this season

The 32-year-old has played 4 times so far this season, and is yet to record a goal or an assist. His only contribution in front of goal came in the form of an assist in the Europa League, against Olympiacos. For the final two games of the competition, played in November and December, Zaha failed to make the squad. He has not been in the Lyon squad in 8 of 14 games he has been available and has not made the bench in over 3 weeks.

After making his name at Crystal Palace, Zaha made a huge move to Manchester United in 2013, where he played just twice over a single season in red. He moved back to Palace permanently in 2015 and went on to make over 200 appearances for the London side.

Born in the Ivory Coast, Zaha played twice for England before declaring his allegiance to his home nation, where he has featured over 30 times since 2017.

Last season in MLS, Charlotte FC made the Playoffs but ultimately lost out to Orlando FC; after two draws which saw the Florida side equalise in heartbreaking fashion after 12 minutes of added time (0-0, 1-1), they came up short on penalties.