According to reports, Wilfried Zaha has been offered a staggering £9 million per year deal to sign for Saudi Pro League team Al Ittihad. The Crystal Palace academy graduate’s contract in south London is set to expire at the end of the season. Zaha is one of the club’s star players and has previously been the subject of transfer interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham. The Daily Mail reports that he is considering his future at Palace, who have offered him a new “lucrative” deal of nearly £200,000 per week, including bonuses and other payments.
However, Al Ittihad is willing to go one step further, with the Saudi side offering to pay the Ivorian around £320,000 per week before English tax. The report adds that this would amount to £9 million per year after tax. Zaha is currently focused on completing the season in the strongest possible fashion, and it’s understood that he will then make a final decision on his future. Palace is also not losing hope on the prospect of the winger signing an extension at the end of the season.
A move to the top flight of Saudi Arabian football would see the 30-year-old join the same league as Cristiano Ronaldo. The footballing superstar plays for Al Nassr, who lost 1-0 to Al Ittihad on Thursday in a top of the table clash – a match that saw Ronaldo kick bottles and throw his captain’s armband on the ground. Zaha’s potential new side is also managed by former Tottenham and Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
Palace’s star has so far made 452 appearances over two spells with the club, scoring 89 goals and assisting a further 76 across all competitions. He has netted six times for Patrick Vieria’s side so far this season, with the club struggling in 12th in the Premier League. They are yet to win a game in 2023 and are just three points above the relegation zone.
In conclusion, Wilfried Zaha has been offered a massive deal by Al Ittihad, which could see him leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season. While Palace has offered him a new contract, it remains to be seen whether he will accept it or move to Saudi Arabia. Regardless of his decision, Zaha’s future will be closely watched by football fans around the world.