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Why Wilfried Zaha is not allowed to rejoin Crystal Palace but can sign for Charlotte FC

Wilfried Zaha is unable to make a return to Crystal Palace during the winter transfer window.

The Ivory Coast international – a legend at Crystal Palace – is looking for a way out of Lyon this month, after making just ♕a single start in Ligue 1 so far this season during his loan spell from Galatasaray.

A story from the suggested that Crystal Palace are keen to brꦗing the Ivorian back to Selhurst Park, although FIFA rules prevent the move from happening as the 32-year-old has already 💮represented two clubs in Galatasaray and Lyon this term, and cannot play for a third club in one season.

However – despite that rule – state that Wilfried Zaha is now close to joining Charlotte FC on loan from Galatasaray, but h🃏ow is that possible when a return to Crystal Palace was blocked? Let’s take a look.

Why Wilfried Zaha can join Charlotte FC but not Crystal Palace

Crucially, Major League Soccer (MLS) is♌ a single entity s🐻tructured division – one owned by the league and individually operated by investors, so it does not have to comply with FIFA regulations.

That is why Zaha is eligible to play for Char🦄lotte FC – taking one of their Designated Player spotsღ.

The man born in Abidjan will be closer to his old Crystal Palace teammate Christian Benteke – should the m🦩ove be finalised – with the Belgian currently starring for D.C. United in Washington.

Zaha, who Wolves considered last summer, was actually in attendance at Selhurst Park in December to watch Arsenal record a 5-🌊1 win over Crystal Palace.

Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images

Steve Parish – Chairman of Crystal Palace – also admit🌞ted last summer he wo💧uld definitely take the Ivorian back, telling talkSPORT: “I’d have Wilf Zaha back in a heartbeat. He’s part of our club, part of our history as I’ve said countless times.”

Crystal Palace are close to signing a different winger in Romain Esse

While a move for Zaha cannot happen this month, the Eagl๊es are close to signing anoꦇther winger.

Photo by Ahmad Mora - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Ahmad Mora – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Crystal Palace have agreed a deal to sign🦄 Romain Esse from south London rivals Millwall, after shaking hands on a £14.5m fee with the𒊎 Lions✱.