**The Two Players Most Likely to Depart Crystal Palace After Liam Delap’s Transfer**

Crystal Palace, a club known for its strategic recruitment and nurturing of young talent, has recently experienced a notable transfer activity with Liam Delap’s move. Delap, a promising young striker, joins the Eagles with high expectations, adding depth and competition to their attacking options. Such a transfer inevitably sparks speculation about which players might leave the club to balance squad dynamics and financial considerations. Based on current squad assessments, performances, contract situations, and strategic planning, two players stand out as most likely to depart in the near future: **Wilfried Zaha** and **Cheikhou Kouyaté**.

### Wilfried Zaha: The Potential Departure

**Background & Current Situation**

Wilfried Zaha has been an iconic figure at Crystal Palace for over a decade. His journey from a promising youth player to a club legend is marked by his exceptional dribbling, creativity, and ability to change games. However, as Zaha approaches the latter stages of his career—he is in his early 30s—question marks have increasingly surfaced regarding his future at Selhurst Park.

**Reasons for Departure**

1. **Contract Status and Market Value:**
Zaha’s contract situation is pivotal. If his deal is nearing expiration or if there is an agreement for a transfer fee, Crystal Palace might consider selling to maximize his value before he potentially leaves on a free transfer. Moreover, clubs in the Premier League and abroad might be interested in acquiring a seasoned winger with Premier League experience.

2. **Club’s Strategic Direction:**
With the signing of Liam Delap and possibly other attacking options, Palace could be looking to reshape their attacking line-up, integrating younger players and reducing reliance on veteran figures. If Palace’s management envisions a rebuild or a different tactical approach, they might be open to parting ways with Zaha to free up wages and squad space.

3. **Player’s Personal Ambitions:**
Zaha has often expressed a desire to play at the highest levels and compete in European competitions. If Palace is not competing in Europe, and if offers from clubs in top leagues or abroad come in, he might be tempted to pursue new challenges.

4. **Financial Considerations:**
Selling Zaha could generate significant transfer revenue, which could be reinvested into the squad. This is especially relevant if Palace aims to develop a more balanced and younger squad.

**Likelihood of Departure**

While Zaha remains a crucial player for Palace, the combination of his age, contract situation, and external interest makes his departure plausible. If an attractive offer arrives, and if Palace’s sporting project leans towards a rebuild, Zaha’s exit could be imminent.

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### Cheikhou Kouyaté: The Likely Departure

**Background & Current Situation**

Cheikhou Kouyaté, a versatile midfielder and defender, has been a reliable presence in Palace’s squad since joining in 2018. His leadership qualities, experience, and physicality have made him a key figure in the dressing room and on the pitch. However, recent developments suggest that his role might diminish, especially with the influx of younger players and tactical changes.

**Reasons for Departure**

1. **Age and Contract Duration:**
Kouyaté is in his early 30s, and while his experience is valuable, clubs often prefer to shift towards younger players for long-term planning. If Palace is looking to reduce their average squad age or bring in emerging talents, Kouyaté might be made available for transfer.

2. **Squad Rotation and Tactical Shifts:**
With the addition of Liam Delap and potentially other signings, Palace could be transitioning to a more dynamic, attacking-oriented setup. This might reduce the need for a defensive-minded midfielder with Kouyaté’s profile, especially if younger players or different tactical systems are prioritized.

3. **Potential for a Free Transfer or Loan:**
If Kouyaté’s contract is approaching expiry, Palace might opt to sell him now or agree to a loan, especially if they plan to promote from within or pursue other midfield targets. Alternatively, if there is a clause or a mutual agreement to part ways, his departure could be expedited.

4. **Player’s Personal and Career Aspirations:**
Kouyaté may seek regular first-team football, potentially in a different league or country. If a suitable offer arises—say, from a club in a league where he can be a regular starter—his departure would be a logical step.

**Likelihood of Departure**

Given the strategic direction of many Premier League clubs and Palace’s current squad dynamics, Kouyaté’s exit appears quite probable. His experience is a valuable asset, but if Palace is aiming to refresh their squad with younger, more dynamic players, Kouyaté might be among those moved on.

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### Conclusion

While Liam Delap’s transfer signifies a forward-looking approach by Crystal Palace, it also signals potential squad restructuring. Wilfried Zaha, with his age and contract considerations, stands as a prime candidate for departure—either to seek new challenges or to facilitate financial and squad planning. Cheikhou Kouyaté, on the other hand, with his age and tactical fit, is also highly likely to leave, especially if Palace aims to evolve their midfield and defensive options.

Both departures would allow Palace to inject fresh talent, reduce wage bills, and align their squad with their long-term ambitions. However, both players remain valuable assets, and their exits will depend on offers, negotiations, and the club’s strategic vision. Fans will watch closely in the upcoming transfer windows to see how Palace balances experience with youth, ensuring they remain competitive while building for the future.

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If you’d like a more detailed analysis of individual players or specific transfer scenarios, feel free to ask!