Borussia Dortmund have responded to claims Youssoufa Moukoko is lying about his age ahead of the release of a new documentary.
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Pakistan have become the second team after Australia to win two bilateral ODI series in South Africa after successfully defending 321 in the decider in the third ODI at SuperSport Park. They earned 20 points in the World Cup Super League and move to the top of the table, level with England and Australia.In a match that tested both teams’ depth with 11 changes across the two teams – South Africa made seven and Pakistan four – one player’s touch remained exactly the same. Fakhar Zaman scored his second successive hundred, and on the way, became the first Pakistan batsman to score more than one ODI century in South Africa and score the most runs by a batsman in a three-match series against South Africa to set up the victory.Between him and Babar Azam, who notched up 94, they asked their hosts to pull off the highest successful chase at this ground, as Kyle Verreynne and Andile Phehlukwayo almost pulled off a coup. Their 99-ball 108-run sixth-wicket partnership steadied South Africa from 141 for 5 and put them 73 runs away from a win. But in the end, the tail was left with too much to do after most of the rest of the top six were undone by spin, with Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Qadir taking four wickets between them.While South Africa will once again have cause to examine their approach against the turning ball, they also missed their frontline attack, all of whom have departed for the IPL. With Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi absent, Daryn Dupvaillon, Lutho Sipamla and Beuran Hendricks bowled 18 overs for 118 runs without taking a single wicket. Instead, it was Keshav Maharaj, brought in for Tabraiz Shamsi, who enjoyed the most success, supported by allrounder Jon-Jon Smuts and part-time offspinner Aiden Markram. In total, South Africa bowled 28 overs of spin – the most in a home ODI – and they collectively picked up six wickets.In a left-field move, Markram opened both the bowling and the batting, which made him only the second South African after Robin Peterson to start in both disciplines in the last two decades. He will be happier with his performance with the ball than the bat though, after he took 2 for 48 in ten overs but was out for 18, inside-edging onto his pad before being caught behind.Markram and South Africa began well with the ball and Pakistan only got one boundary away in the first six overs, but that was the calm before the storm. When Zaman hit the first six of the innings – off a Sipamla short ball that he muscled over midwicket – the openers seemed to find rhythm. Imam-ul-Haq, meanwhile, took on Dupavillon’s short ball with his trademark pull and brought up his half-century off 60 balls.Their century stand came up in the 19th over and made the first Pakistan opening pair to record five century stands in ODIs, but were separated just as an acceleration appeared on the cards. Imam went down the track to try and hit Maharaj over long-on but did not time his stroke and was caught by Verreynne.Enter Azam, who signalled his intent with a gorgeous back-foot drive through point off the eighth ball he faced. Zaman continued as the anchor, cashing in where line and length allowed such as in a Sipamla over, where the young quick sprayed it on both sides of the wicket and Zaman plucked three boundaries. His hundred came with a short-arm jab to midwicket and with more than 15 overs left, he had enough time to finish what he had started in the second ODI at the Wanderers, where he was run-out for 193 but Maharaj prevented that.Kyle Verreynne shared 108 with Andile Phehlukwayo for the sixth wicket•AFP via Getty Images
He had Zaman given out lbw when the batsman missed a slog sweep and was hit on the back pad but Zaman reviewed. Ball tracking showed it was missing leg. Off the next ball, Zaman tried to paddle Maharaj away but got an inside edge on to his pads to instead give Heinrich Klaasen a simple catch.That dismissal sparked a mini-collapse that saw Pakistan lose 5 for 51 in 64 balls. Maharaj, Smuts and Markram were responsible for the squeeze and could have kept Pakistan to under 300 before Azam and Hasan Ali came together for a final flourish. They took 56 runs off the last three overs, with Azam finishing one shot away from a century.With South Africa needing to score at close to 6.50 runs an over from the get-go, they needed a good start. Markram and Janneman Malan, both powerful hitters, laid the groundwork with boundaries on both sides of the field including Markram’s classic cover drive and Malan’s front-foot pull off Shaheen Afridi. Their partnership was worth 54 when Markram was dismissed in the ninth over.With Jon-Jon Smuts, a new – and as yet untested – batsman at the crease, Azam waited for the powerplay to end before introducing Qadir. Smuts showed some aggression with a strong sweep through square leg but never looked entirely comfortable as Qadir bowled him with a flipper.Soon there was spin from both ends, with Nawaz into the attack but captain Temba Bavuma and Malan negotiated them fairly well. Bavuma relied on his sweep and Malan waited for width, bringing up fifty with a cover drive off 63 balls. The pair still maintained a degree of caution, especially with Bavuma battling a hamstring niggle.Their partnership grew to fifty before Nawaz removed them both in his fourth over to expose South Africa’s middle order. He had Malan trapped lbw when he played down the wrong line to a delivery that straightened and three balls later bowled Bavuma, who played all around a straight one. Four overs after that, Nawaz got Klaasen, who missed an attempted mow and was hit on the back pad. He reviewed the lbw but ball tracking showed the ball would have hit the stumps.At the end of the 28th over, South Africa were 141 for 5, without the injured Rassie van der Dussen or the IPL-bound David Miller, leaving it to Verreynne and Phehlukwayo to score at above eight runs an over. Verreynne’s first boundary came off Faheem Ashraf – a top-edge over the wicketkeeper – before he unleashed the pull and the back-foot punch. Phehlukwayo took on spin and hit Nawaz over cover and Qadir over deep square leg for six, with both hitting anything wide from Rauf.Verreynne brought up fifty in the 40th over – off 40 balls – while Phehlukwayo reached the milestone in the 42nd off 56 balls. South Africa then needed 76 runs off the last ten overs but had to contend with Rauf’s changes of pace. He snuck in slower balls at opportune moments and got Verreynne to drag on to deep-square leg, attempting to clear the rope.Six balls later, Phehlukwayo went in similar fashion when he swung at a Hasan slower ball and skied it. Sarfaraz made good distance, and called for and claimed the catch to end South Africa’s hopes of winning a third trophy in nine series under Mark Boucher. Pakistan, though, have now won series in South Africa with Misbah-ul-Haq as captain (2013) and coach (2021).
No side since IPL 2015 has won their first five IPL games. Can CSK stop RCB from achieving that?
Sreshth Shah24-Apr-2021Big pictureAfter two weeks – barring their most passionate fans – very few people would’ve imagined that Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings would be at the summit of the IPL 2021 points table. Definitely not after last season. But that’s the beauty of the tournament – you come to expect the unexpected.New purchases Glenn Maxwell and Moeen Ali have been revelations. Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad have found their IPL 2020 form again. Two unfancied bowling units are punching above their weight. Simply put, it’s a contest between the two most in-form teams of the season.After a defeat first up, the Super Kings are hunting for their fourth straight win. The Royal Challengers are still unbeaten, and are one victory away to become the first side since Rajasthan Royals in 2015 to start their season 5-0. It’s the perfect position for both sides to be in, but form and confidence are fickle things. One loss can swiftly become two, and when teams start to slide, it can often be a freefall. That’s what captains MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli will be looking to avoid in the afternoon contest.One team has the fireworks to go big, the other has the best batting depth in the tournament. And it’s a contest at the Wankhede, where – bowlers, look away now – both teams scored at over 10 per over in their previous matches. It’s captain cool coming up against captain aggressive. Which one will prevail, fire or ice?Team newsThe Super Kings will still be without the services of the quarantining Jason Behrendorff, who will be available after April 26. The Royal Challengers have their full squad at their disposal.Likely XIsChennai Super Kings 1 Faf du Plessis, 2 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3 Moeen Ali, 4 Suresh Raina, 5 Ambati Rayudu, 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 MS Dhoni (capt, wk), 8 Sam Curran, 9 Shardul Thakur, 10 Lungi Ngidi, 11 Deepak ChaharRoyal Challengers Bangalore 1 Virat Kohli (capt), 2 Devdutt Padikkal, 3 Shahbaz Ahmed, 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 AB de Villiers (wk), 6 Washington Sundar, 7 Kyle Jamieson, 8 Harshal Patel, 9 Kane Richardson, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Mohammad SirajStrategy punt Dhoni could pit Ravindra Jadeja against Maxwell, the Royal Challengers’ X-factor batter. In 11 T20s, Jadeja has dismissed Maxwell five times at an average of 11.6. Kohli could use his two tall overseas pacers Kane Richardson and Kyle Jamieson against the middle order of Moeen, Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu for two reasons. One, none of them like the short ball, and secondly, they have feasted on spinners this season. Rayudu’s strike rate against spinners is 170, Moeen’s is 183, Raina’s 189 – the three highest among all IPL 2021 batters. It may need Kohli to rethink his death-overs strategy, however.Stats that matter Five of the first eight games this season have been won by the chasing side. In the same period, the average first-innings score at the ground this season is 180 but the average first-innings winning score is 210. Both sides have the best powerplay bowling numbers. The Super Kings have taken 11 wickets at 16.4 runs per dismissal. The Royal Challengers are second with seven wickets at 25.7. When Chahar takes two or more wickets, the Super Kings have a 75% win rate. When Curran has an economy of under 7.5, the Super Kings have a 75% win rate. Padikkal is the only batter in the world (min. 1000 runs) to have an average of over 40 (45.5) and strike rate of over 140 (146) in T20s. No bowler has taken more wickets than Harshal’s 12 after the first four games to an IPL season. Lasith Malinga has taken 11 twice.
Barcelona failed to sign Nico Williams last summer, but Joan Laporta's advisor has denied that the deal fell through due to registration concerns.
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The reasons for Benjamin Sesko’s reluctance to complete a transfer to Arsenal have been revealed, with the Gunners still tracking the RB Leipzig star.
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Gunners wanted to land more firepowerPresence of Havertz worked against themRemain keen on Slovenian frontmanFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The highly-rated striker emerged as a target for Premier League heavyweights during the summer window of 2024. Mikel Arteta was eager to bring another goalscorer into his ranks alongside the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
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According to the , it is the presence of Germany international Havertz at Emirates Stadium that led Sesko to shun any interest from north London. The 21-year-old frontman has said to have had "concerns he would be second choice".
DID YOU KNOW?
Sesko ended up signing a new contract with Leipzig, with there a buy-out clause within those terms that interested parties can trigger if they are prepared to part with £55 million ($71m). A number of clubs across Europe are said to be mulling over their options.
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Arsenal are still among the interested parties, despite Sesko’s initial reluctance to head down that career path. He has registered a further seven goals this season, after hitting 18 in 2023-24, and the Slovenia international may yet end up in English football.
Manchester United are set for a huge defensive overhaul during the 2024 summer transfer window.
This comes after a season which saw them concede 58 Premier League goals and 15 times in the Champions League group stage, which is the most by a Premier League side in the group stages of a Champions League campaign.
The Red Devils could let up to four defenders leave this summer. Raphael Varane has already departed the club upon the expiration of his contract, with fellow centre-backs Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof also potential departures. Aaron Wan-Bissaka could also leave Old Trafford if the right offer arrives.
Of course, with all of these departures, there must be incomings to balance the books and add depth to the squad. United have been heavily linked with Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich, with the former Ajax captain thought to have agreed terms with the Red Devils. They have also placed a bid for exciting young French defender Leny Yoro, although it remains to be seen if he will pick United over Real Madrid.
However, there is another name on INEOS' list of potential centre-backs, and they have been heavily linked with this player during the entire transfer window.
Man Utd target Premier League defender
The player in question here is, of course, Everton and England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. After a superb season with the Toffees in 2023/24, the defender has been linked with a move to Old Trafford regularly this summer.
Now, according to a report from Graeme Bailey, the Red Devils are currently 'working on making' a third bid for the defender. This comes after United had two previous offers, the most recent one worth around £50m, rejected by the Toffees for the talented England star.
However, despite a tough negotiation at the moment, it might not all be plain sailing for United when it comes to doing a deal for Branthwaite this summer.
Manchester City could challenge their biggest rivals in a bid to bring Branthwaite to the blue side of Manchester instead.
In terms of a price for Branthwaite, Everton have been firm in their stance that he is worth around £80m, in line with deals for Josko Gvardiol and Wesley Fofana. Bailey confirms that United are preparing their third bid, with internal talks finalising 'what level they will come in at' to try and sign the young defender.
Why Branthwaite would be a good signing
Branthwaite was a pivotal player under Sean Dyche for Everton last season. The 22-year-old played 35 Premier League games for the Toffees, helping to keep an impressive 12 clean sheets and chipped in with three goals, including one in the Merseyside Derby, backing up the claim of scout Jacek Kulig that he is an "absolute monster".
He is highly rated by those close to Old Trafford, including one of Erik ten Hag’s soon-to-be coaches, and the club’s legendary striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The Dutchman managed Branthwaite at PSV two seasons ago, when the young defender had a loan spell at the Dutch side. Van Nistelrooy called Branthwaite a “great talent”, before explaining that he is a “very complete” centre-back.
Should United sign Branthwaite, he may not just become a superb option for Ten Hag at centre-back, but also at left-back, allowing him tactical flexibility and more depth. This would be bad news for £150k-per-week earner Luke Shaw who is the Red Devils’ first-choice in that position. He has struggled with injuries, and having a player like Branthwaite could be an excellent alternative to the England international.
As is the current tactical trend at the moment, Ten Hag could choose to set up in a 3-2-5 system when his side have the ball. With Branthaite at left-back, it could be the case that he tucks into left centre-back when United are in possession, a role he has superb attributes for. Football analyst H also explained that he believes the 22-year-old is “capable of playing” on the left side and tucking into centre-back with the ball.
He is an excellent wide defender, able to use his long stride to cover wide spaces with ease. This is also somewhat reflected in his stats on Sofascore, averaging 5.2 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, as well as winning 2.5 ground duels each game. He is also a wonderful box defender, which could come in handy at left-back especially when defending the far post.
Branthwaite defensive stats Premier League 2023/24
Stat (per 90)
Number
Ball recoveries
5.2
Tackles
1.9
Interceptions
1.4
Aerial duels
2.7
Ground duels
2.5
Clearances
4.5
Stats from Sofascore
One issue with Branthwaite playing left-back ahead of Shaw means that the former Southampton man would not be able to strike up his successful partnership with Marcus Rashford. Over the years, the pair have formed a brilliant understanding, and Shaw is deadly on the overlap as Rashford operates in the left half-space.
Rashford discussed his and Shaw’s partnership in 2021, describing that the things they do on the left-hand side are “simple but they’re effective”, before explaining that he thinks the pair are a “threat” when operating together on that left-hand side.
However, with Branthwaite operating at left-back, it would mean that Rashford does not have that overlap from Shaw, or indeed from any left-back, and has to hold the width on the left himself. This is not Rashford’s best role, and he would be better utilised in the left-half space with a flying full-back.
With that being said, it could be necessary for some games to play the Everton man at left-back, and Ten Hag can lean on that aforementioned tactical flexibility to help him get through games and make his side better equipped to beat the best sides.
Whilst it may be an expensive deal to do, Branthwiate could be at the heart of the United defence for the next ten years. He is a wonderful player, as shown by his stats and well-rated by the likes of van Nistelrooy. It could be a superb addition to United’s centre-back ranks this summer.
Better than Branthwaite: Man Utd plot bid for "monster" CB on top of Yoro
This would be a colossal statement of intent from INEOS.
ByAngus Sinclair Jul 9, 2024
An "excellent" Leeds United player is now believed to be on the verge of sealing a summer exit from Elland Road, with an agreement reached elsewhere.
Leeds transfer news
The Whites could have a busy summer ahead of them, with incoming signings mooted as a number of key players also potentially head out of the Elland Road exit door.
One individual who could reportedly look to move on is Illan Meslier, who has been linked with a summer switch to Marseille. A transfer to France is thought to appeal to the Leeds goalkeeper as he looks to potentially go from playing in the Championship to Ligue 1.
Diego Llorente and Georginio Rutter are two others who could move on to pastures new between now and the beginning of next season, while the same applies to star winger Crysencio Summerville, for whom the Whites are demanding around £40m this summer. Journalist Ben Jacobs has admitted an exit is possible, saying: "I’m told that if the player said he wanted to leave for a big Premier League club like Chelsea, then Leeds wouldn’t stand in his way."
In terms of new signings, Cohaib Driouech has been linked with trading Eredivisie side Excelsior for Leeds, coming in to replace Wilfried Gnonto should the Italian also depart.
"Excellent" Leeds player close to exit
According to a new update from Football Insider, Charlie Cresswell is closing in on a Leeds exit this summer, with an agreement reached with Ligue 1 side Toulouse.
A medical has already been completed for the 21-year-old, but now certain obstacles appear to be overcome, and a move is about to be confirmed for around £4m. Cresswell had previously failed to agree personal terms with the Ligue 1 outfit.
In truth, this does feel like the right time for Cresswell's Leeds adventure to reach its conclusion, considering he has struggled to ever fully be seen as a key player by Daniel Farke.
Only 14 appearances have come the centre-back's way in a Whites shirt, while last season, he was handed just one start in the Championship, appearing for just 135 minutes in the competition throughout the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign.
That being said, Gary Rowett has praised Cresswell in the past, having worked alongside each other when the Leeds man spent a spell on loan at Millwall back in 2022/23, calling him "excellent", adding:
"He’s got a knack of finding the right moment. We’ve seen that in a lot of our defenders… Cresswell is on five [goals], and that’s another lovely little knack to have."
Player wants to quit Leeds with Steinsson ready to take £18 million loss
He could leave for a meagre fee.
2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 6, 2024
Cresswell has unfortunately not enjoyed a great relationship with Farke at Leeds, with the manager seemingly refusing to reinstall him to the first team as the German appeared to have concerns over his attitude.
The £7,500-a-week Cresswell will hopefully go on to have a good career, maturing with age and enjoying more regular football, but the time is right to part ways with Leeds, earning them good money in the process.
Erling Haaland has opened up about his clash with Arsenal defender Gabriel during a fiery Premier League encounter last month.
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Despite desperately needing to raise funds before the 30th of June PSR deadline, Nottingham Forest are looking to strengthen their ranks, aiming to build on the 17th-placed Premier League finish during the 2023/24 campaign.
Nuno Espírito Santo inherited the squad from former boss Steve Cooper back in December, only having one month to try and bring in any players that he believes would’ve transformed the Reds.
He made the signings of Matz Sels, Rodrigo Ribiero and Gio Reyna, with the latter two only on loan at the City Ground and confirmed to be leaving the club at the end of the respective moves this month.
However, the summer presents a new opportunity for the Forest boss to put his spin on the side, potentially signing players who he believes could push his side towards mid-table and look to finally pull clear of the relegation zone after two seasons of danger.
Any business will have to be shrewd and value for money, with the club splashing a lot of money over the last couple of campaigns on numerous players who have failed to provide value for money since their moves on Trentside.
It already appears as though the Forest boss has identified one player who he believes could transform the club’s midfield, but it wouldn’t be the first time the Reds have targeted this player, with the side already being linked with the talent last season.
Nottingham Forest interested in signing talented £26m midfielder
According to Portuguese newspaper Record, via Sport Witness, Forest are interested in signing Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis this summer.
The report states that Everton also remain interested in the 24-year-old despite their own financial issues, with the Reds now joining the race for his signature.
The Benfica academy graduate, who has a €120m (£102m) release clause in his current contract, wouldn’t require a big anywhere near that figure for the Portuguese club to part ways with their talent, with a bid of €30m (£26m) expected to be enough to secure his services.
He’s featured 30 times in Liga Portugal during 2022/23, with only 17 of those appearances coming from the starting lineup, featuring for a total of 1,683 minutes under boss Roger Schmidt.
Whilst it may seem surprising that the club are willing to spend big given their recent point deduction, but, it would be a worthwhile investment, with Luis undoubtedly a huge upgrade on one current Forest player.
Why Florentino Luis would be an upgrade on Ibrahim Sangare
Ivorian ball-winner Ibrahim Sangare arrived at the City Ground for a fee in the region of £30m, following huge interest during multiple transfer windows, but the move hasn’t worked out for either side as of now.
The former PSV Eindhoven talent has only featured 17 times for the Reds, only making three starts since Nuno’s appointment back in December.
It’s very evident that when comparing the Portuguese talent to Sangare, the Benfica talent is a more rounded player, who would have a greater impact on the current squad on Trentside.
He averages 74 passes per 90, with 89% of the passes he’s attempted this campaign finding a teammate, 7.6 of which are progressive, with Luis eager to play the ball forward at every opportunity.
Passes per 90
74
37
Pass percentage
89%
80%
Progressive passes
7.6
3.8
Tackles
4.2
3.7
Interceptions
2.6
1.4
Aerials won
1.3
0.7
Unfortunately, Sangare can't get anywhere near those figures this season, with his figure of 37 passes and 3.8 progressive passes respectively, considerably short of the 24-year-old Benfica sensation.
Florentino has produced some unbelievable numbers this campaign, having been hailed as "the kind of player every coach would like to have in their squad" by former Benfica coach Joao Tralhao, with Nuno evidently feeling the same way with the recent rumours over a potential deal for the ace.
Whilst Sangare has been utilised as a player who looks to regain possession as much as possible, Luis has dominated the Ivorian, winning more tackles, aerial duels and averaging nearly two times more interceptions.
Luis’ ability with and without the ball would transform Forest’s midfield, needing to work tirelessly to secure a deal for the £26m talent – which could effectively be a cheap deal if Sangare is sold this window.
Forest could finally replace Samba by signing "top-quality" Sels upgrade
The club desperately need reinforcements in the goalkeeping department.
ByEthan Lamb Jun 4, 2024
West Ham United are interested in bringing a "world-class" player back to the Premier League for around £10m.
West Ham transfer rumours
It is set to be a summer of change at West Ham as they begin life after David Moyes. The Scotsman guided the Hammers to Europa Conference League glory in 2022/23 but parted ways with his long-time club after no silverware and a 9th-place finish in the top flight during 2023/24.
West Ham discussing deal for ex-Spurs winger who "leaves people for dead"
Just imagine him linking up with Kudus at the London Stadium.
ByBen Browning Jun 1, 2024
Julen Lopetegui has now taken the reigns at the London Stadium and is expected to put his own stamp on Moyes' squad during the summer transfer window, as he said recently:
“I feel very happy, first of all, to be able to be part of the future of this big Club," the Spaniard stated. "We will try to put our stamp on the Club. I feel that we have a fantastic platform. I think the last few years have been very good years to have this base, of course, but my ambition as a coach is always to be better and better, to achieve more and bigger aims and to encourage and improve the players, the team, and to compete because football is about this – to compete. We are very ambitious about this."
Following those comments, West Ham are said to be in talks to sign Palmeiras attacker Luis Guilherme, in a deal that could be worth £30m. Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest and Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi is of interest to the east Londoners, while, Lopetegui personally wants West Ham to sign former player Max Kilman this summer.
West Ham make first move to sign “world-class” player for just £10m
Now, a new name, or rather an old name, has been tipped to return to the Premier League via West Ham this summer. The player in question? Ex-Crystal Palace and Manchester United player, Wilfried Zaha.
According to a report from Fotospor, via Caught Offside, the Hammers have inquired about the possibility of bringing the forward back to England and have "requested information" from his current side, Galatasaray, regarding a potential transfer. Zaha is under contract in Turkey until 2026 and is valued at around £9m by Transfermarkt. However, the report from Fotospor claim an opening offer to Galatasaray for the 31-year-old could be worth £10m.
Despite now getting on in years, Zaha is still chipping in with plenty of goal contributions, scoring 10 and assisting five in 42 this past term. Before leaving Palace for Galatasaray, meanwhile, he was able to find the net 90 times and assist 62 for the Eagles across two spells.
The Ivorian international also earned high praise from then-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp back in 2019 when he was still plying his trade in the Premier League.
"They are really good at counter attacks and set pieces, Wilfried Zaha is a world-class player and he gets into a one-on-one situation and we’re one down," Klopp said after Liverpool beat Palace 4-3 at Anfield during the 2018-19 season. Will Zaha be able to repeat that form if he returns to England this summer?