West Ham table offer for Galatasaray's Wilfred Zaha
West Ham table offer for Galatasaray's Wilfred Zaha

Galatasaray stance emerges as West Ham United table Wilfried Zaha transfer offer

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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West Ham have made initial contacts with Galatasaray, tabling a £5.9million offer for Wilfried Zaha, according to Fotomac.

The Turkish source reported [19 June] that the Hammers have made an offer but Galatasaray are waiting for £8.4million, so negotiations between the clubs are ongoing.

According to Sabah Spor [12 June], Zaha had reversed his decision to return to England, making a "U-turn" on his original decision, though it is now understood that management are not willing to continue with the player.

West Ham United begin Wilfried Zaha transfer saga

Considering how early it is in the summer transfer market, it seems like a silly decision to already rule out a move for the 31-year-old forward, who has received mixed reviews in Turkey.

Despite this, his form has not dipped, notching nine goals and three assists in 30 league appearances after leaving Crystal Palace after nine consecutive seasons at Selhurst Park.

Zaha boasts 90 goals and 62 assists in 458 appearances over four spells with the Eagles, showing his pedigree in the Premier League, which could persuade Julen Lopetegui to bring him to the London Stadium.

His previous experience in London could make him a decent fit for the Hammers, especially given his ability to play on the flanks or as a centre-forward.

With Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus in attack, it is important that any striker that is brought into the club this summer is smooth in transitional play and adapts well to different positions.

West Ham
West Ham are targeting a move for Wilfried Zaha this summer

Zaha fits that profile, though the signing of Luis Guilherme suggests the club are taking a much younger approach to the summer transfer window under the new manager.

Of course, age, wisdom and experience are needed for an important balance with young and talented, which the former Palace winger would really bring both of. His fallout at Galatasaray could be a concern, however.

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