Zeki Fryers hopes his move to Crystal Palace, which was completed on deadline day, will help him to kick-start his career.
The 21-year-old was once billed as a future star for Manchester United, and played for their first team in the Premier League, League Cup and even the UEFA Champions League. But as the youngster approached the end of his contract at Old Trafford in the summer of 2012, he angered Sir Alex Ferguson by training with Tottenham Hotspur.
Ultimately, the Londoners were at the time unable to agree a compensation package with United for the defender, who instead joined Standard Liege. However, in a move which caused much controversy, six months later he did sign for the White Hart Lane club, in a transfer which led to Ferguson accusing Spurs of ‘blatant manipulation’ of the rules.
Fryers made 16 appearances last season, yet only seven of these came in the Premier League as he struggled to make an impact at Tottenham. So when Palace had an undisclosed fee accepted for his signature on deadline day, the former England Under-19 international jumped at the chance or kick-starting his career under Neil Warnock.
“I found out over the weekend from my agent that there was interest,” Fryers told the official club website. “I heard that certain clubs were interested, but I knew Crystal Palace were the best club for me at this time of my career. It came out of nowhere, but I am absolutely buzzing to be here. It is a fresh start for me now and I can’t wait to show what I can do.”
Fryers could debut for the Eagles on Saturday afternoon, when Burnley visit Selhurst Park in a battle of the two sides currently occupying the bottom two positions in the table.
Palace fans, are you happy with the signing of Fryers? Do you think he will be included in your first team straight away? Let us know what you think by joining in the discussions below!
