Kurt Zouma exit deal collapses as West Ham United scramble to resurrect transfer route
Kurt Zouma’s exit from West Ham to Shabab Al-Ahli has collapsed thanks to medical history issues, according to The Times.
The paper reported via their website on 12 August that two sides are trying to “resurrect” the Frenchman’s free transfer move after it fell through.
David Ornstein had reported on 8 August that the move was close to being completed, with the UAE club covering Zouma’s wages in full.
But it emerged late on 11 August [UAE Kick] that there were complications with the centre-back’s medical tests, with Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg adding the next morning that he was still on site waiting to hear of the next move.
Jean-Clair Todibo already signed as West Ham replacement
Zouma’s knees were a large part of the concern about keeping him in the squad at the London Stadium so it is probably little surprise that they are complicating his potential exit.
With Tim Steidten successfully hijacking Juventus’ move for Jean-Clair Todibo the Hammers already have a replacement for last season’s captain, with Max Kilman potentially taking over the armband [talkSPORT, 6 August].
So financially it would be beneficial to get ex-Chelsea man Zouma’s salary off the wage bill if he isn’t expected to play regularly.
When fit he is still a more than capable defender but he has been increasingly unavailable so a move looks the best solution all round.
It may fall to the Irons to sweeten the deal for Shabab Al-Ahli if concerns remain over his medical situation, but whether a compromise can be reached remains to be seen.
There had been similar concerns when he arrived from Stamford Bridge [The Athletic] yet the deal still went through so the club will hope for the same outcome here.
After a hugely-positive fortnight at the club which has seen the transfer window transformed into a strong success it would be a disappointment for Zouma’s future to be left up in the air heading towards the deadline.
In other West Ham news, a long-term contract is waiting at the London Stadium as the Irons close in on completing yet another key signing.
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