Wilfried Zaha open to new Charlotte FC contract talks after preseason

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Wilfried Zaha rejoined Charlotte FC for preseason training this week, after spending time with the Ivory Coast national team at AFCON.

Zaha joined Charlotte FC at the beginning of the 2024-2025 season on loan from Galatasaray that goes through June 30th. Since joining MLS, the forward was a major contributor with Charlotte, adding 10 goals and 10 assists. 

While Zaha’s current contract is set to end this summer, he shared that conversations have slowly begun internally.

“To be honest, we have spoke,” Wilfried Zaha said. “We plan to speak in more depth probably after preseason. Just sit down and if we can come to some sort of agreement. So yeah, I’ve spoken to Zoran [Knreta} and yeah, we plan to, we’ve spoken, but we plan to speak in depth probably after the preseason.”

Wilf shared that he and his family have enjoyed living in Charlotte over the last year. 

“Like I said before, I feel comfortable here,” said Zaha. “My family are good. My son loves the school. So, yeah, I’m good. It’s just how the conversations go.”

Charlotte FC and Zaha may engage in contract conversations over the next couple weeks, but he feels he will remain fully committed to the club while he is on the field.

“Once I step on a pitch, I give 100%. And then anything else that needs to be spoken about regarding the club or whatever, that can be done after about.  Once I step on the pitch, I’ll give 100% to the team, to my players, where we’re all trying to reach one goal.”

“I’m not the type of person that will be on the pitch and just be disinterested. I’m too passionate about the game. I want to win so much that, that loyalty to, to my teammates, that’s 100% once we step out on the pitch. Like whatever goes on with the club, that’s got nothing to do with the guys that I’m I’m working day in day out with,” said Zaha.

Charlotte FC is underway in preseason ahead of their opening match on the road on February 21st against St. Louis.