- Wilfried Zaha has completed a loan move away from Turkish side Galatasaray
- The 32-year-old will join a former Premier League manager at his new club
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Wilfried Zaha has completed a loan move from Turkish giants Galatasaray to join Charlotte FC on loan until January 2026.
He will link up with former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith at the MLS side, and his deal includes an option to extend until July 2026.
The former Crystal Palace star was on loan with Lyon having joined from Galatasaray last summer but has struggled for game time in France, having made just six appearances this season, five of them off the bench.
Zaha, who has not played a minute of professional football since December 7, has already begun training with Charlotte ahead of their MLS season opener against Seattle Sounders on February 22.
The 32-year-old will occupy a Designated Player spot and international roster slot on the club’s 2025 roster – a rule which allows MLS franchises to sign up to three players that would exceed exceed a club’s normal salary cap.
Often known as the ‘Beckham rule’, coined after David Beckham‘s blockbuster move to LA Galaxy in 2007, the rule enables teams to compete for star players in the international football market.
Wilfried Zaha has joined Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC on loan until January 2026
The 32-year-old was on loan at Lyon from Galatasaray, but struggled for game time in Ligue 1
Regarding Zaha’s sensational move, Charlotte’s General Manager Zoran Krneta said: ‘Wilfred is a world class talent who has proven himself at the highest level of the sport as an elite goal scorer and chance creator.
‘His performances in the Premier League and on the international level speak for themselves and we are confident that Wilfred can make an immediate impact in Major League Soccer.’
‘He provides valuable versatility in the attacking areas of the pitch and adds…