Pundit: West Ham United should try to sign Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer from Crystal Palace
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
West Ham United should look into trying to sign Wilfried Zaha when his Crystal Palace contract expires to get the fans back on side, according to Frank McAvennie.
The Ivorian winger is entering the final months of his deal at Selhurst Park and looks unlikely to re-sign with the club, amid reported interest from clubs in Europe and the Premier League.
But with the fans not happy at West Ham right now due to the defensive football and league position from this season, McAvennie believes Zaha could have a similar effect on the club to what legend Paulo Di Canio had when he arrived.
“He could fit in there because he’s a talented player, of course he could,” he told West Ham Zone.
“Would he? I don’t know. You’ve got Benrahma, Fornals to play there. He could fit in there if you could keep him fit. There’s no point bringing him from one end of London to the other just to sit on the treatment table.
“You’d need to make sure, because he’d cost a few bob. He would fit in at West Ham but I don’t know if the fans would want that.
“He’s great on the ball isn’t he, and Di Canio was the same. He didn’t want to chase, didn’t want to do anything, but got on the ball and the stadium erupted. Maybe Zaha could be what they need.
“West Ham could do with someone to get the fans off their seats. Maybe Zaha is the guy.”
Zaha and Moyes worked briefly together during their short stints at Manchester United, which could prove to be a stumbling block if the club opted to make a move for the 30-year-old.
However with Moyes expected to leave in the summer regardless of the club’s league standing, it could yet be on the cards.