UAE club Al-Wasl announced on its official website on Saturday that former Chelsea and West Ham United France international defender Kurt Zouma has joined the club on a free transfer.

According to the UAE Pro League club's official statement, Zouma has signed on a short-term contract that only runs until the end of the season with the club.

About Kurt Zouma

The 31-year-old Kurt Zouma was born on October 27, 1994, in Lyon, France. He is 1.90 meters tall and primarily plays as a center-back, but can also play as a right-back. He holds dual French and Central African Republic citizenship. His older brother Lionel and younger brother Yoan are also professional footballers, both playing as centre-backs.

Zouma joined Saint-Étienne's youth academy in 2009, began playing for their B team in 2011 and completed his Saint-Étienne first-team debut in August 2013 at the age of 16 in a Coupe de la Ligue match against Bordeaux.

During his three-year spell at Saint-Étienne, Zouma won the Coupe de la Ligue once with the club.

On the winter transfer window deadline day, Zouma joined Chelsea for £12 million, but was immediately loaned back to Saint-Étienne.

Upon returning from his loan spell that summer, Zouma officially became a Chelsea player.

During his five-year spell with the Blues, Zouma won two Premier League titles, one Carabao Cup, one Champions League title, one UEFA Super Cup, and reached the FA Cup final three times.

He also had loan spells at Stoke City and Everton.

In August 2021, Zouma moved to West Ham United for £29.8 million.

During his three-year spell with the Hammers, Zouma won the UEFA Conference League once with the club.

However, since 2022, Zouma has faced severe criticism for allegedly abusing cats and being implicated in a case involving his agent allegedly blackmailing a former female Chelsea director.

In July 2024, Zouma was loaned-out to Al-Orobah.

After his contract expired the following summer, Zouma joined CFR Cluj as a free agent.

During his six-month spell with CFR Cluj, Zouma made only four appearances for the Romanian Liga I powerhouse in all competitions, failing to score or assist.

Image source: Internet / Al-Wasl Official Website