Kurt Zouma (foto: Getty Images)
Kurt Zouma's move to Shabab Al-Ahli collapsed due to a failed medical, leaving West Ham scrambling after spending heavily on his potential replacement.
French international Kurt Zouma was set to transfer from West Ham United to Shabab Al-Ahli. However, the 29-year-old defender's move to the UAE club has been canceled after he failed a medical examination in Dubai, according to BBC.
This development has created a significant issue for the London club. West Ham had already splashed €40 million on Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice as a replacement for Zouma. In addition to the expense of signing the 24-year-old from French Guiana, West Ham also faces the problem of Zouma's contract, which still has a year remaining.
Adding to their woes, West Ham recently purchased Wolverhampton captain Max Kilman, an Englishman of Ukrainian descent, for £40 million (just under €47 million).
Zouma has made 103 appearances for West Ham since joining from Chelsea for £29 million in 2021. He was a key player in the Hammers' successful campaign in the Europa Conference League last year. With Chelsea, he won the Premier League twice, lifted the FA Cup three times, and was part of the team that claimed the Champions League title in 2021.