Kurt Zouma surely finished at West Ham United as transfer update emerges under Julen Lopetegui
Kurt Zouma’s days could be numbered at West Ham after the club’s first signing of the summer was shared by Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer specialist reported via X [27 May] that the Hammers have agreed a deal for Flamengo’s Fabricio Bruno ahead of the summer transfer window, using his famous “here we go” line.
The 28-year-old will be Julen Lopetegui’s first signing of his tenure at the London Stadium since taking over from David Moyes, with the likes of Zouma, Nayef Aguerd and Konstantinos Mavropanos failing to impress.
Despite plenty of heavy criticism throughout the 2023/24 campaign, Moyes decided to stick with Zouma as the club’s captain, a choice that was slammed by many as the Frenchman continued to embarrass on the pitch.
With Bruno now arriving in London ahead of the 2024/25 season, and the Irons urged to get rid of Zouma, it could only be a matter of time before the defence has a new look.
Will Julen Lopetegui keep Kurt Zouma at West Ham United?
If Lopetegui has been keeping an eye on West Ham’s season, he will be aiming to move the former Chelsea man on this summer, having underperformed massively.
Only Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United conceded more goals in the Premier League, and though Zouma cannot be single-handedly blamed for that, he must take some responsibility as the captain.
Many fans, former players and members of the media have urged the Hammers to get rid of the 29-year-old, and the addition of Bruno certainly gives Lopetegui that option.
The Brazilian looks to be an exciting prospect, though he may take some time to adjust to life in England, with all of his experience coming in the Brazilian leagues with Flamengo, Red Bull Bragatino, Cruizero and Chapecoense AF.
Despite having no experience in Europe’s top five leagues, he has recently been awarded his national team debut, starting both friendlies in March, looking rather comfortable in the 1-0 win over England and a 3-3 draw with Spain.
It will be interesting to see what the West Ham squad looks like once the summer transfer window closes, and Zouma could be a regular figure who departs the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, an Arsenal star is set for talks on his future after the Hammers failed with a bid for him in January.
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