Zaha ends transfer links by signing Crystal Palace contract extension

Tom Maston

Zaha ends transfer links by signing Crystal Palace contract extension image

Wilfried Zaha has brought an end to speculation regarding his future by signing a contract extension with Crystal Palace.

The Ivory Coast international has pledged his future to the Selhurst Park outfit for the next five seasons, with his current deal now running until the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

He had been linked heavily with a move to either Tottenham or Chelsea over the summer but now looks set remain with his boyhood club for the forseeable future.

Zaha has scored 44 goals in 288 appearances for Palace since making his debut for the club 2010 and got his season off to the best possible start with a goal in his side's 2-0 win over Fulham in their Premier League opener.

"I’m very pleased. Obviously, I just wanted to get it over and done with, so I can just focus on the season," the 25-year-old said in a club statement.

"I’m buzzing that we managed to get it sorted.”

Chairman Steve Parrish added: "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."

Zaha - who spent a season at Manchester United in 2013-14 before returning to Palace - has been hotly tipped with an exit from Roy Hodgson's side for some time given his superb form over the last 12 months.

He scored a career-best nine Premier League goals in 2017-18 and looks set to partner Christian Benteke in a more central role going forward.

Tom Maston