If Wilfried Zaha gets a move to Liverpool in 2023, it may well be with the blessing of Jurgen Klopp.
Crystal Palace star Zaha has played some of the best football of his career under Patrick Vieira over the last two seasons. However, with his contract expiring at the end of the campaign, and exit talks surround him over the summer, he may see his next move as his last chance to enjoy Champions League football.
The Ivorian international had a brief spell with Manchester United earlier in his career, but fresh reports suggest he would be keen on an Anfield switch if he opts to leave Selhurst Park. While there may still be obstacles before any move can be completed, previous comments from Klopp suggest the Reds boss is a fan.
Liverpool were without forwards Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota for their victory over West Ham United on Wednesday night. A first-half goal from Darwin Nunez was enough to give them victory, but the Reds were wasteful at times and needed a penalty save from Alisson to preserve their lead.
They may feel they need to add to their attacking ranks next term as they look to move on from the summer departure of Sadio Mane. And, according to Calciomercato (via talkSPORT ), Zaha would be up for filling that role.
The Italian publication claims Zaha is "very fond" of Liverpool as he contemplates his next step. And Klopp has made no secret of his admiration of the Cote d'Ivoire star.
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Zaha scored Palace's winner as they came from behind to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night. It was his fifth goal of the season, and his 20th in just 46 appearances since Vieira took over at Selhurst Park.
The 29-year-old has impressed against Liverpool in the past, including during the period when former Reds boss Roy Hodgson was in the Palace dugout. Indeed, it was after one of those displays, back in 2019, that Klopp heaped praise on Zaha.
"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 en route to a second-place finish in the 2018-19 season. Zaha didn't score in that game, but he played a big part in Andros Townsend's opener for the Eagles.
Zaha was on target against Liverpool this season, though, putting Palace ahead in what ended up as a 1-1 draw at Anfield in August. The goal was overshadowed by Luis Diaz's effort for Liverpool and Darwin Nunez's straight red card, but it was just another reminder of what the Palace man can offer.
