3 players Crystal Palace could sign if Zaha goes, including ‘ideal’ replacement

The manager merry-go-round at Selhurst Park saw contrasting styles of football this past season, and the continued emergence of some of the most exciting talent the Premier League has to offer.

The consistent links surrounding the future of Wilfried Zaha have already returned, even before the opening of the transfer window, and discussions have begun among fans over who Zaha’s replacement should be, if he were to leave.

Zaha has been an unswerving loyal servant to the club, scoring 68 Premier League goals in 293 appearances across two spells with the Eagles.

Even die-hard fans could not possibly begrudge his exit if Zaha were to call time at the club, but the talisman would be sorely missed and incredibly hard for the club to replace.

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Possible exit routes for the Ivorian include the likes of Borussia Dortmund and clubs in the Saudi Arabian league, where Zaha can expect a big pay day.

The potential offer from Dortmund would include both a new culture and league for Zaha to explore, as well as a real stage for him to show himself to the world in the Champions League.

The ideal Zaha replacement would be Leiceter’s Harvey Barnes. Following Leiceter’s relegation, a cut-price deal could be agreed, however there would be hot competition from both West Ham and Aston Villa.

Barnes is a pacy and direct winger who thrives when combining with a playmaker of high quality.

He recorded 13 Premier League goals in a campaign which saw his team relegated, really showing his ability to consistently perform even in a team unrecognisable from the previous campaign.

At Crystal Palace the playmaker for Barnes to thrive alongside is already there in the shape of Eberechi Eze, who has just had the season of his life after his long term injury.

Still only 25 years of age and with plenty of first team experience, Palace would be investing in a player for the long term who can replicate Zaha’s goalscoring numbers and also create for others.

If the signing is unmanageable because of the competition, then other targets Palace should look for include Sassuolo’s Armand Lauriente and Celtic’s Jota.

Both players would most likely jump at the chance to join Europe’s highest regarded league. Both also have enormous potential and could be available for relatively small fees.