Kurt Zouma’s time at West Ham United appears to be over. The defender has been told by the club that he is free to find a new club this summer, according to Football Insider.
The 29-year-old centre-back, who captained West Ham following Declan Rice’s departure, reportedly struggled with the demands of playing multiple games per week during the recently concluded season. The combination of Premier League fixtures, domestic cup competitions, and Europa League matches seems to have taken its toll on Zouma. This is reflected in his absences from six Europa League games and all of West Ham’s League Cup appearances this season, despite featuring in 39 games overall.
The arrival of Julen Lopetegui as manager signifies a shift in West Ham’s defensive strategy. Zouma, a regular under David Moyes (starting 38 games in 2023-24), appears to be out of favour under the new regime. The imminent arrival of Brazilian defender Fabricio Bruno further strengthens the case for Zouma’s departure.
Zouma’s hefty salary, reportedly making him one of West Ham’s top earners, is another factor influencing the decision. The club is looking to reinvest the freed-up funds after his departure.
West Ham’s decision to move on from Zouma reflects their desire to reshape their defence under Lopetegui. Zouma’s struggles with fixture congestion, the impending arrival of a new defender, and his high salary combine to create a clear path for his exit. The Hammers will look to use the freed-up funds to invest in new defensive solutions that better suit Lopetegui’s plans.
Yet another over priced donkey along with loan boy Philips, l.think cats protection have a space for him
Ar last they have seen the light, hopefully.
Never rated him. Too slow , injuries, lack of fitness did not help our season. Cost us in many matches together with Aguerd
he’s a smart player and was good for us for 2 seasons. but he’s an expensive liability now and i’m an animal lover, so……..👋
…also the sh!++€$+ captain we’ve had for donkeys
As said above he has deteriorated over his time with us. I’m surprised he passed the medical. I think Dr Nik from the Simpsons must have conducted that.
From where I was sitting, Zouma appeared to be permanently limping for the last 18 months. And there has probably been a gradual deterioration in those 18 months. So it is frankly a testament to him that he has nearly managed to hold his own in the Premier League despite this. He certainly gives his all and is great at defending set pieces, but he shouldn’t be in the starting 11 at West Ham. That said, he has been a great servant and he was amazing when fit in his first season. If he leaves, he will leave with my massive thanks and respect. Being realistic, he may well be difficult to move on given his salary and injury/ies. I’m hoping a Saudi team offer crazy money (for Zouma and Aguerd) to solve the problem.
Letting Zouma go doesn’t surprise me he is not the player he was when we first signed him. He has lost his speed due to injuries and amount of games we played. If as quoted Nayef is going we will need another centre back along with Bruno if we get him.
Should never have signed him. It was well documented that he was injury prone. Moyes wanted hundreds of millions. Let’s hope things will improve with the new coach.
This is the only logical outcome.
If he is truthful with himself he will agree.
Aguerd with Emerson_left backs. Coufal + new signing_right backs.
Mavros/Bruno + 2 new signings_centre back.
He should have been permanent bench warmer last year and never captain (Moyes old mucker).
His contract is till ’25. Hopefully he can find another club but I suspect we’ll have to pay part of his salary. But worth it if we can bring in a TS pick.
He has limitations through chronic injury, but you could never fault his commitment. A true warrior, if not captain material. Good decision to move him on.
Agree with the above post he’s legs have long gone & he lacks the pace & mobility to be a top centre back nowdays. He’s still decent at set pieces tho but that’s not enough. Au revoir cat kicker! 🤣
He’s expensive and broken. Not exactly a recipe for finding suitors. Suspect he’s with us until his contract runs out.
Zouma is too immobile for this level now, ideally he would be moved on it makes sense, but his wages may make takers few and far between though.