Wilfried Zaha almost secured a romantic return to Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window.
The Ivory Coast international had fallen out of favour under Okan Buruk at Galatasaray, eventually sealing a loan move to Lyon – owned by John Textor.
Steve Parish admitted on talkSPORT that he would have taken Zaha back “in a heartbeat” – although tax issues regarding a return to the United Kingdom scuppered the deal, according to The Athletic.
So, how is Wilfried Zaha faring at Lyon after a return to Crystal Palace broke down? Let’s take a look…
How Wilfried Zaha is doing at Lyon
Unfortunately, the 31-year-old is yet to even kick a ball for Lyon.
Zaha was not named in the squad by Pierre Sage for the 0-0 draw against RC Lens on September 15th, before the Ivorian was then at least promoted to the bench for the recent 3-2 defeat against Marseille, but remained an unused substitute.
The 45-year-old has explained why he is yet to use his new loan signing, stating: “Zaha came in a little out of form. He skipped training a little because he thought he would leave (Galatasaray) towards the end of the transfer period. He needs some more time until he can play 90 minutes.”
Turkish news outlet Haber Turk even claim to have some inside information on how Zaha is feeling.
It is said that the man from Abidjan is yet to settle in Lyon, with his wife preferring their life in Turkey – where they are claimed to have lived in a villa with a swimming pool.
In France, Haber Turk state that the Zaha family are instead living in an apartment, struggling to adjust to a new social life.
Life after Crystal Palace has not worked out
Moving to Galatasaray seemed like an odd decision for Zaha at the time, and his career has started to fizzle out since leaving Crystal Palace.
The Selhurst Park favourite did at least manage to fulfil his dream of playing UEFA Champions League football with the Turkish giants, and won a Super Lig title, but was only given 13 league starts before falling out of favour during the summer.
Hopefully, Zaha can break into the starting XI at Lyon fairly soon, and resurrect his dwindling career with the French giants.
