Former Premier League star Kurt Zouma is searching for a new club after his contract with Romanian Liga I side CFR Cluj was terminated, making him a free agent in the January 2026 transfer window.
Short-Lived Stint in Romania Ends Abruptly
The 31-year-old centre-back, who has made 247 Premier League appearances for clubs including West Ham, Chelsea, Everton, and Stoke City, joined CFR Cluj on a free transfer in September 2025. He signed a two-year deal with an option for a further two seasons. However, his time at the club was brief and unsuccessful.
Zouma managed only four appearances for Cluj, with his last outing being a substitute cameo against Dinamo Bucuresti in October. The team failed to win any of the league matches he played in, with his sole victory coming in a Romanian Cup tie. CFR Cluj's Director of Football stated the player had 'resigned', citing his 'very high salary' as a significant factor in the premature departure.
A Career of Highs and Recent Controversies
Zouma's career began with a high-profile £12 million move from Saint-Etienne to Chelsea in January 2014. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he made 151 appearances and won significant honours, including two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup.
After falling out of favour, loan spells at Stoke City and Everton followed before a £30 million transfer to West Ham in August 2021. He became a key figure for the Hammers, playing 103 times, scoring six goals, and helping the club secure the UEFA Conference League trophy in 2023.
Upon leaving West Ham in the summer of 2024, after a loan spell at Saudi Arabian side Al-Orobah, Zouma emotionally labelled the club his 'forever family'. He last captained the side in a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in May 2024.
What Next for the Former Defender?
This latest episode adds to a series of off-pitch controversies that have marked Zouma's later career. His sudden availability comes as his former club, West Ham, are reportedly in the market for defensive reinforcements following inconsistent performances. However, a romantic return to the London Stadium is considered highly improbable, given the club's recent efforts to remove his substantial wages from their bill.
As the January window progresses, the experienced defender, with a wealth of Premier League and European experience, will be hoping to find a new project to resurrect his playing career.
