Former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has completed a loan move to Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC from Galatasaray until January 2026, with an option to extend until June 2026.
The 32-year-old winger will occupy a Designated Player spot at the North Carolina-based franchise, allowing him to be signed outside the club’s salary cap.
Zaha has already trained with his new teammates as he prepares for his first stint in American football.
The Ivory Coast international joins Charlotte after a disappointing spell at Lyon, where he made just six appearances this season.
Wilfried Zaha has left Galatasaray on loan to join Charlotte FC in the MLS
Only one of those matches was as a starter, with Zaha limited to 112 minutes of action during his brief time in Ligue 1.
His sole contribution came in the form of an assist during a Europa League victory over Olympiacos.
Charlotte FC’s General Manager Zoran Krneta expressed his delight at securing the former Premier League star’s signature.
“Wilfried is a world class talent who has proven himself at the highest level of the sport as an elite goal scorer and chance creator,” said Krneta.
“His performances in the Premier League and on the international level speak for themselves and we are confident that Wilfried can make an immediate impact in Major League Soccer.”
JUST IN: James McClean left injured after car crash as Wrexham provide update on controversial star
Prior to his Charlotte move, Zaha had joined Galatasaray on a three-year deal in the summer of 2023 after his Crystal Palace contract expired.
His time in Turkey proved successful, with 10 goals and five assists in 42 appearances as Galatasaray clinched the Super Lig title.
The move to Turkey came after Palace had offered him a new four-year contract worth £200,000 per week, but the forward opted for a fresh challenge abroad.
READ MORE: Man Utd legend Bryan Robson faces massive tax bill after losing HMRC case as ‘disguised employee’
WIlfried Zaha will link up with former Aston Villa and Leicester boss Dean Smith
At Charlotte, Zaha will work under former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith, joining a squad that includes ex-Premier League players Ashley Westwood and Tim Ream.
The MLS side finished fifth in the Eastern Conference last season in what proved to be a promising campaign.
Their playoff journey came to an end in November, suffering elimination on penalties to Orlando City.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS: