Zaha weighs in on failed Everton move – why the Toffees should try again in January

Wilfried Zaha has spoken out about the summer long transfer saga that saw him try to force a move away from Crystal Palace.

Zaha was heavily pursued by both Arsenal and Everton in the summer, and despite the duo not being willing to match Palace’s asking price, the forward tried forcing an exit by handing in a written request to leave.

Palace refused to let him go however, leading the Ivory Coast international to remain at Selhurst Park, at least until January.

So far this season, Zaha has played in all of Palace’s games, although he is currently goalless in the opening eight games of the new campaign.

Talking to BBC Africa (via BBC Sport), Zaha admitted that he was left with his head “all over the place” following the speculation in the summer, although he has now accepted his position. Zaha said:

I had to put my head down and play my football.

I would have been hindering my own progress by moaning and not wanting to perform properly.

I have too much respect for my manager, the fans and my team-mates to treat them that way. It was a thing where ‘OK, this hasn’t happened but I’ve got to get on with it’.

I’ve got to prove every time that I’m the top player I claim to be so I had to get over that quickly. Obviously my head was a bit all over the place at the beginning of the season but I had to nail down and just get on with it because the team deserved that.

I’m seeing how it goes. I’m a Crystal Palace player and I’m just trying to perform to the best of my ability for my club. I’m not thinking about anything else and just taking each day as it comes.

Should Everton make a move for the Palace forward in January?

Read Everton Verdict

Zaha seems destined to move away from Crystal Palace in January, and this statement screams covering over the cracks and trying to rebuild some bridges. The forward is an adored figure among Palace fans, and he clearly wants to establish that relationship again.

However, I would imagine that Zaha still wants his move, and will be looking to pursue it once the window reopens. January is a notorious time to do big business so a deal could be difficult, but if Everton can land him I think he would be a major boost.

Some are concerned about his price tag, especially linked ti Everton’s recent record of over spending. However, it is going to take a lot to finally get Everton to that next level, and I think Zaha would certainly go some way in helping move that process along.