West Ham United captain Kurt Zouma was on the brink of joining United Arab Emirates Pro League club Shabab Al-Ahli, but the move is in jeopardy due to medical concerns.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, complications arose during Zouma’s medical examinations, but the player is still in Dubai, with all parties keen to find a mutually beneficial solution.
The 29-year-old has one year left on his contract at the London Stadium but was expected to join Al-Ahli on a free transfer. The Middle Eastern outfit had agreed to cover the final 12 months of his wages.
The move is now complicated due to medical concerns, but work is in progress to find a solution.
After conceding a hugely disappointing 74 goals last season, West Ham prioritised a defensive overhaul this summer.
They have made some impressive signings, reinforcing their defence with Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Jean-Clair Todibo from OGC Nice.
Zouma has fallen down the pecking order at the London Stadium and is expected to leave the club before the transfer window closes.
His exit will allow West Ham to trim their wage bill, having already brought in six new players this summer.
Nayef Aguerd could follow the France international through the exit door in the coming days.
The 28-year-old is also facing an uncertain future after a massively underwhelming two-year spell at the London Stadium, although he has yet to receive any concrete interest.
With Angelo Ogbonna already departing earlier this summer, the potential exits of Zouma and Aguerd may force West Ham to dip back into the transfer market to strengthen their options at centre-back.
There have been talks of an audacious swoop for former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels.
The German centre-back is a free agent and could be a shrewd signing for the Hammers.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
