Wilfried Zaha has returned to training with Crystal Palace as the club legend searches for the next destination of his career – but the Eagles currently have no plans to offer him a sensational Selhurst Park comeback.
The 33-year-old has been working at Palace’s Beckenham training base after bringing his time with Turkish giants Galatasaray to an end.
Zaha remains based in the local area and has been given permission by his former club to maintain his fitness while attempting to secure a move before the new season gets under way.
His presence at Palace has inevitably raised the prospect of another emotional return for a player who became synonymous with the club during two lengthy spells.
However, according to The Sun, Palace are not currently looking to re-sign the Ivory Coast international despite their enduring relationship with the winger.
Zaha is available after his Galatasaray contract came to an end, having spent the opening months of 2026 playing in Major League Soccer.
He joined Charlotte FC on loan and worked under former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, but an agreement could not ultimately be reached to turn the move into a permanent one.
Wilfried Zaha has returned to training with Crystal Palace as the club legend searches for the next destination of his career – but the Eagles currently have no plans to offer him a sensational Selhurst Park comeback
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PA
That has left Zaha searching for another club as he enters the latter stages of a career that has been overwhelmingly associated with Palace.
The winger progressed through the Eagles’ academy before making his senior debut in 2010.
He went on to make 458 appearances for Palace across all competitions, scoring 90 goals and providing 54 assists.
Wilfried Zaha struggled for consistency during his time at Galatasaray
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PA
His first spell ended when Manchester United secured his signature, although Zaha struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford and also spent time on loan with Cardiff City.
A return to Selhurst Park followed and Zaha subsequently developed into one of Palace’s most important Premier League players.
He eventually left the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2023 after rejecting the opportunity to sign a lucrative long-term extension.
Instead, the 36-cap Ivory Coast international opted for a new challenge with Galatasaray.
Zaha enjoyed silverware in Turkey, helping the Istanbul giants win both the league title and a domestic cup, although he subsequently found himself away from the club on loan.
A difficult temporary spell with Lyon followed before his move to Charlotte provided another opportunity for regular football.
Wilfried Zaha became a club legend during his time at Crystal Palace
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PA
While Zaha is now back in familiar surroundings in south London, Palace’s immediate transfer focus is elsewhere.
New manager Pierre Sage is overseeing significant changes to his squad ahead of the Premier League campaign, with the Eagles continuing to pursue further additions.
Dwight McNeil has already arrived alongside £21million winger Anan Khalaili, while defensive reinforcements Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oscar Mingueza have also joined.
More business is expected as Palace look to strengthen Sage’s options before the transfer window closes.
Their preparations suffered a setback over the weekend when they were beaten 3-0 by Freiburg in their final pre-season friendly.
Palace will now turn their attention towards competitive action, with their new Premier League campaign beginning with a trip to Everton on Saturday.
