Last month, there were several reports saying that French centre back Kurt Zouma has agreed to join a UAE Pro League team on a free transfer from West Ham. However, that move couldn't happen as the club and the player didn't agree on personal terms and it seemed highly likely that the former Chelsea defender will stay at West Ham this season. However, new signing Max Kilman has been in brilliant form at the start of this season and alongside Jean-Clair Todibo, he will form a reliable centre back partnership at the London Stadium.
Thus, Zouma needed to join a new club in order to get more playing time next season. Further, West Ham agreed season long loan deals for James Ward Prowse, Nayef Aguerd as well as Maxwel Cornet, thus chances of Zouma leaving on a loan transfer move on the final day of the summer transfer window also increased. Now, transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the UEFA Champions League winning centre back has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Orobah on a season long loan transfer move from West Ham.
Kurt Zouma moves to the Saudi Pro League from West Ham
"Kurt Zouma leaves West Ham and joins Al-Orobah on initial loan deal, club confirms."Fabrizio Romano
Thus, Kurt Zouma will play in the Saudi Pro League this season and West Ham now have three central defenders in their squad. The Hammers have also agreed to send Nayef Aguerd on a season long loan move to La Liga side Real Sociedad, and now don't have much squad depth at the centre back position. If Max Kilman or Jean-Clair Todibo gets injured during the season, Julen Lopetegui's side will have to rely on Konstantinos Mavropanos in the defence, who has been inconsistent with his performances last season.
However, the transfer window has closed now, and West Ham will need to perform well with their available squad. Also, West Ham are set to face Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in a home fixture aiming to put in an impressive display and take some points from this match.