Kurt Zouma has bid farewell to West Ham after completing his move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Orobah.
The Frenchman had under a year left on his contract at the London Stadium but he was allowed to leave for the Middle East on loan. Taking to Instagram, the defender thanked Hammers fans for their support during his time at the club:
“West Ham fans, it’s time for me to say goodbye. It has been a huge pleasure to be part of the success of this amazing club.”
“I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has helped me throughout my time here! Big thank you to all the fans for your support. I will miss you All! You’ll be forever my family.”
Why was Zouma allowed to leave West Ham?
Despite signing from Chelsea for £30m in the summer of 2021, the defender had been beset by injury problems over the past 18 months.
An issue with his knee meant that Zouma had to manage his fitness, and he couldn’t always play to the best of his abilities. Even so, he did play an important role in helping West Ham win the Europa Conference League last year.
After failing a medical at Shabab Al-Ahli, there were concerns that the 29-year-old would not find a move away from the club, but his departure to Al-Orobah was confirmed at the weekend. He will officially leave the Irons on a free at the end of June.
Lopetegui is short of options at centre-half
Zouma’s switch to Saudi Arabia means that head coach Julen Lopetegui only has three senior options in the middle of defence. Nayef Aguerd also left for Real Sociedad on loan before the transfer deadline.
Fans will hope that Max Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo all stay fit over the coming weeks and months.
