Kurt Zouma is expected to leave West Ham United
Kurt Zouma is expected to leave West Ham United

Dharmesh Sheth details 'live' options for Zouma at West Ham United after failed medical

Dan Godfrey

Dan is a sports writer and broadcaster, who wrote for Breaking Media Limited's club sites between May 2024 and May 2025. Graduating from the University of Huddersfield in 2018 with First Class Honours in Sports Journalism, Dan has worked with several EFL clubs, as well as with BBC Radio, talkSPORT and TNT Sports. He previously resided in Sydney, Australia, where he continued his career as a freelance writer and broadcaster in various sports.

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There are options that "remain live" for Kurt Zouma at West Ham United after his failed medical at Shabab Al-Ahli, according to Dharmesh Sheth.

Zouma looked certain to complete a move to the Dubai-based club but the deal has now stalled after failing the checks and Sheth reported on Sky Sports' Transfer Centre [14 August] what could still be on the table for the defender.

The Sky journalist noted that while Zouma remains in Dubai, a resolution is still being discussed between the two clubs including a loan deal and a contract termination, with other clubs still interested and in with a shout.

"Talks have continued between the clubs to find a possible resolution," said Sheth.

"West Ham’s initial plan was to mutually terminate Zouma’s contract - which has a year to run - and allow him to join on a free transfer. Another option that has been mooted is to loan him to Shabab Al-Ahli and contribute to his wages.

"There are other clubs interested in Zouma and those options remain live."

West Ham try to complete Zouma departure

With Zouma's deal at the London Stadium running only until the end of this season, West Ham are seeking to get his wages off the books.

This is understandable when you consider the calibre of players the club have brought in this summer and are still looking to recruit.

Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo are players in Zouma's position who have been signed for high sums - albeit Todibo's £34.2m transfer fee will not be paid until next year - and the wage structure will be very appealing to the duo as Tim Steidten undergoes a huge transfer mission.

West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma in action
Kurt Zouma is set to leave West Ham

Aaron Wan-Bissaka will also be earning a pretty penny at the club, alongside the likes of Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville.

As for Zouma himself, he will be eager to get the deal over the line and enjoy a new chapter in the UAE - no doubt also for a neat remuneration - and it remains likely that an agreement will be in place once a few wrinkles are ironed out.

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