Shabab Al Ahli Club from the UAE Pro League has reached an agreement with West Ham United to sign French central defender Kurt Zouma, according to Sky Sports UK. This development follows Shabab Al Ahli’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong, who instead opted to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Kholood.
Troost-Ekong had been a target for Shabab Al Ahli, where he would have reunited with his former coach Paulo Sousa, who managed him at Salernitana during the 2022-2023 season. However, the deal fell through as Troost-Ekong chose to continue his career in Saudi Arabia.
Both Zouma and Troost-Ekong, nearing the later stages of their careers, are seeking lucrative contracts in the Gulf region as they aim for one final major payday.
West Ham is set to release Zouma from his contract a year before it was due to expire. The Frenchman is expected to undergo a medical with Shabab Al Ahli before the week ends, with his official unveiling to follow shortly thereafter.
Meanwhile, Troost-Ekong, who has been a key player when fully fit, was recently an unused substitute in PAOK’s 2-2 draw with Malmo in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round. Reports from Greece suggest that PAOK plans to keep Troost-Ekong until the second leg against Malmo on August 13, after which they will finalize the paperwork for his transfer to Al-Kholood.
