West Ham United captain Kurt Zouma is on the brink of joining United Arab Emirates Pro League side Shabab Al Ahli, according to The Athletic.
The French defender will join the Dubai-based club on a free transfer, with the Middle Eastern outfit covering the remainder of his wages. The 29-year-old is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days before completing his switch.
Zouma was handed the captain’s armband at the start of last season following Declan Rice’s departure to Arsenal but has struggled for consistency.
His exit will allow West Ham to trim their wage bill, having already brought in six new players this summer.
The move brings to an end a decade-long spell in English football for Zouma, who lifted two Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and a League Cup during his time at Chelsea.
He also enjoyed loan spells at Stoke City and Everton before joining West Ham permanently in 2021, where he added a Europa Conference League winners’ medal to his collection.
With Zouma leaving, West Ham are expected to enter the market for defensive reinforcements.
The Hammers have already signed Max Kilman but must secure a partner for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man as they look to plug a defence that shipped 74 goals last term.
Who should West Ham sign to partner Kilman?
Atop the Hammers’ shortlist of targets is France international Jean-Clair Todibo. The Irons have been trying to iron out a deal with OGC Nice but face intense competition from Serie A giants Juventus.
The Bianconeri can offer Champions League football, which will be a big draw, but the Irons cannot afford to let him slip off to Italy without a fight.
However, if West Ham fail to sign Todibo, there are still some exciting options in the market. Former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels is a free agent. He could be a shrewd pick-up.
Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah is also available after being ostracised by the Blues. The 25-year-old is a homegrown talent that can be a mainstay in the backline for years.