Wilfried Zaha set to join Turkish side Galatasaray as free agent

Zaha's hopes of playing in Champions League could become reality

After departing Crystal Palace, Wilfried Zaha is almost certain to sign a free transfer to join Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray.

The winger, who spent a total of eight years at Selhurst Park for a second time with the club where he began his career, had plenty of choices over the summer, but he chose to sign a three-year contract with Galatasaray because the chance to compete in the Champions League appealed to the Ivory Coast international.

Galatasaray claimed the Super Lig this year for the initial time in four years. Because they will play in the third round of qualification for the Champions League next month, they must prevail in their two games to advance to the group stage of the tournament.

Despite attention from an assortment of teams and the opportunity to stay at Crystal Palace, there is trust within Turkey that Galatasaray have their player even though the contract has not yet been finalised.

Zaha had interest from Lazio, Fenerbahce, and Al-Nassr, and Palace had made a four-year contract extension to lure him in the amount of £200,000 per week.

It is believed that he will make less money at Galatasaray than he could have made in the Premier League or Saudi Arabia.

After being on loan from Manchester United in 2015, Zaha returned to Crystal Palace completely. He had first progressed through the club's system but was moved to United in 2013 after struggling to make an impression at Old Trafford.

He then returned to South London and has been a major factor in Palace's continued survival in the Premier League.

The Ivory Coast international has been courted by Crystal Palace with the prospect of an extension and a club-record salary, but he rejected them all.

The winger was also offered an opportunity from Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League, but he is said to have turned down the lucrative offer in preference of sticking in Europe.

As potential suitors for Zaha, Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli, Fenerbahce, and Lazio have all been mentioned.

During his career, aha has expressed a strong desire to compete in the Champions League, and his transfer to Galatasaray may finally fulfil that desire.