Crystal Palace transfer news: Wilfried Zaha praised by Roy Hodgson for ‘mature’ attitude after failed move
The Ivory Coast international has shown strong work ethic since exit from Selhurst Park fell through
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has praised Wilfried Zaha’s work ethic and “mature” response after the winger failed to secure an exit from Selhurst Park this summer.
Arsenal and Everton both appeared to be likely destinations for Zaha at different points in the transfer window, and the 26-year-old reportedly handed in a transfer request the day before the window shut.
A move failed to materialise, but the Ivory Coast international has handled the situation well, according to Hodgson.
“With Wilf, I don’t think anyone was thinking we definitely must block him because we want our best player still with us,” the former England manager said.
“We understood that if a really big offer comes his way and a much bigger club than Crystal Palace want him, and he is desperate to go, we are going to have to try and do some kind of deal.”
Palace had placed an £80 million evaluation on Zaha, but no suitor matched that sum, according to Hodgson.
“The unfortunate thing for Wilf is that offer did not come his way from the sort of club that he would want,” he said.
“I think [Palace chairman] Steve Parish has made that clear to Wilf and they’ve thrashed that side of it out.
“As a result, it is not a major problem for me with Wilf coming back, having accepted the situation. The way he works here is just the same as it was. Since the first day, he has been mature about it.”
Zaha has played in all four of Palace’s Premier League games so far this season, but ‘The Eagles’ were unable to keep hold of right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who departed for Manchester United in a £50m deal over the summer.
“It was a simple case with Aaron Wan-Bissaka,” Hodgson said.
“When it becomes clear that this offer is on the table and he wants to go, you react with more experience than you would when you are younger.”
Palace sit fourth in the Premier League table with two wins – including one over United – a draw and a loss to their name.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments