Kurt Zouma is set to leave West Ham on a free transfer to sign for Saudi Pro League side Shabab Al-Ahli.
The French centre-back has entered the final season of his contract at the London Stadium and the Irons are prepared to allow Zouma to leave without a transfer fee, in a move that will offload the player’s £125,000-a-week wages.
Zouma has spent a decade in English football with spells at Chelsea, Stoke (loan), Everton (loan) and the Hammers and made 33 appearances for West Ham last season.
The 29-year-old was appointed captain following Declan Rice’s departure for Arsenal last summer but will now move on after three seasons with West Ham. The Athletic are reporting that Zouma is set to undergo a medical in Saudi Arabia before completing his move to the Middle East.
West Ham signed Zouma from Chelsea for a fee of £30m in 2021 and the 11-cap France international has since scored six goals in 103 appearances for the club.
Julen Lopetegui has already moved to strengthen his defence this summer with the £40m signing of Max Kilman from Premier League rivals Wolves.
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