Kurt Zouma deal done as West Ham United transfer developments drop
Kurt Zouma has successfully completed his transfer from West Ham to Al-Orouba ahead of the 30 August deadline, according to Nawaf Oga.
The Aawsat News journalist reported [29 August] that the 29-year-old has joined the Saudi Pro League side after passing his medical, going on loan until the end of the season.
It is understood that the Hammers will be contributing to the player’s wage alongside Al-Orouba until Zouma joins on a free transfer once the loan spell runs out next summer [Dharmesh Sheth].
Oga wrote: “Kurt Zouma’s transfer deal to Al-Orouba Club is done, the player passed the medical examination successfully, loan until the end of the season with West Ham contributing to the player’s salary alongside Al-Orouba.”
Kurt Zouma completes West Ham United exit to Al-Orouba
Fans have been desperate to see Zouma complete his move away from the London Stadium, with the centre-back no longer able to cut it at the highest level amid several concerns.
The Frenchman struggled a lot last season, as did all of David Moyes’ defence, but Zouma took most of the blame as the club captain, with only Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United conceding more Premier League goals last term.
With Max Kilman already impressing under Julen Lopetegui, and Jean-Clair Todibo still yet to adapt to life in England, there is little space for the former Chelsea man.
Konstantinos Mavropanos’ career in East London looks to be revived, having started both Premier League matches so far, while there is uncertainty over Nayef Aguerd’s next destination after a bid from Al-Ittihad [Santi Aouna].
For Zouma, his deal to the Middle East looks all but announced, which could also relieve some of the PSR concerns that have emerged at the London Stadium this summer.
Despite making 103 appearances since arriving from Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2021, fans are unlikely to shed a tear as he walks out the exit door this summer, and more likely to breathe a sigh of relief.
In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Lucas Ocampos’ potential move to the London Stadium.
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