Dramatic twist in Lyon: the loan of Ivorian striker Wilfried Zaha ends early. Arriving this summer from Galatasaray, the international with 33 caps is already leaving the Rhône to fly to the American MLS and Charlotte FC. Back to this express transfer which…
Wilfried Zaha’s adventure at Olympique Lyonnais was only short-lived. Arriving in the Rhône last summer from the Turkish club Galatasaray in the form of a loan, the 32-year-old Ivorian striker saw his contract end early to everyone’s surprise. A whirlwind French experience for someone who has 33 caps with the Elephants.
A furtive and disappointing move to OL
Despite a full CV with notable stints at Crystal Palace or Manchester United across the Channel, Wilfried Zaha has never managed to establish himself between Rhône and Saône. According to sources close to the Rhone club, the Lyon management would not have been convinced by the impact of the Ivorian star on the team’s play. In just six appearances in the Gones jersey, including only one as a starter, the native of Abidjan will have only delivered one assist, without ever finding the net. Starving statistics which will have got the better of the patience of Lyon decision-makers.
Head to MLS and Charlotte
While his loan to OL was initially due to run until June 30, Wilfried Zaha has already packed up. Following the formalization of his departure, the striker was loaned to Charlotte FC, an MLS franchise (the North American championship). Across the Atlantic, the Ivorian international will try to get back on track and find the net which has eluded him since his arrival in Europe. A new challenge for someone who had shone in the past in the English Championship with Crystal Palace before having a mixed experience at Manchester United between 2013 and 2015.
I was sold an ambitious sporting project and the possibility of fully expressing myself. I arrive with the desire to prove that I can succeed in MLS after a disappointing experience in Lyon.
-– Wilfried Zaha upon his arrival in Charlotte
A contrasting international career
During his career, Wilfried Zaha wore the Ivorian team jersey 33 times, scoring 5 goals. Statistics far from reflecting the potential of a player long considered one of the most promising of his generation on the African continent. Revealed at Crystal Palace, he notably won the Championship (English D2) in 2013 under the colors of the Eagles before trying his luck at Manchester United. An experience which ended in dismal failure, Zaha quickly finding his way back to Palace. A checkered journey which continues today with more or less convincing visits to Galatasaray and then to Lyon.
A new page is now opening for the former Ivorian prodigy, far from the European spotlight. Arriving in the North Carolina city a few days ago, Zaha knows that he is playing big in this American freelance. At 32 years old, he probably no longer has many opportunities to bounce back at a high level in the event of failure. In the land of second chances, Wilfried Zaha will try to prove that he still has legs and dribbling to show off. Charlotte fans hope that the mayonnaise will set more easily than in Lyon. Response in the coming weeks.
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