Kurt Zouma doubts emerge over West Ham United exit to Saudi Arabia
Doubts have emerged over whether or not Kurt Zouma would be able to pass a medical to complete any future West Ham United exit, according to Claret & Hugh.
The online source reported on Thursday (12 August) that there are concerns within the club over the French centre-back’s long-term fitness and there are reservations over whether those fitness concerns could prevent him from completing a medical with a new club.
Reports emerged that clubs in the Saudi Pro League had been targeting the Hammers’ captain, with there being “no movement” from West Ham in terms of attempting to extend his contract, which expires at the end of the 2024/25 campaign [90min, 12 October].
It has been hinted in the past that Zouma has deliberately been rested for midweek games in a bid to keep him fit for Premier League matches and will occasionally miss training sessions, which raise doubts over his ability to complete a move to Saudi Arabia, or any other clubs for that matter.
Strange boost
It’s not often that a player being injury-prone acts as a boost for a side, but Zouma’s previous struggles may well serve as a huge positive for David Moyes’ side as they look to build upon their recent success both domestically and in Europe.
The decision to award Jarrod Bowen a new long-term contract that will keep him at the London Stadium until 2030 alongside the transfer business completed over the summer suggests that those in charge at West Ham plan to ensure that the Hammers continue to challenge for silverware and the top six places for the next few seasons.
Losing their captain to the riches of the Saudi league would be a huge blow in the immediate future and would likely disrupt that plan, although, if the Irons are concerned about Zouma’s injury record, they could well do to earn a decent fee and allow him to leave during the January transfer window.
With the addition of Konstantinos Mavropanos over the summer, Moyes does have some added cover in defence if the former Chelsea man decides to leave, but in an ideal world, you would imagine the Hammers boss would like to keep Zouma beyond the end of his current contract.
In other West Ham United news, Lukasz Fabianski has joked about extending his current Irons contract until 2028