KURT ZOUMA’S move to a Dubai club has fallen through after the West Ham captain failed a medical.
The transfer looked to be all-but done late last week but is now off.
West Ham had agreed a deal with Dubai side Shabab Al-Ahli which would have seen Zouma move for free.
That was despite the defender still having 12 months on his contract.
The switch was seen as a good opportunity for West Ham to get Zouma’s wages off the books, and as such, did not ask for a fee.
A reason for Zouma’s failed medical has not been given yet but he has struggled with injuries in the past.
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His advisors are now working on a way to keep the deal alive, according to The BBC.
West Ham have already completed the signings of two marquee centre-backs that will see Zouma fall down the pecking order should he stay.
Jean-Clair Todibo arrived on loan last week in a deal that includes £34.22million option to buy.
And earlier in the window, the club signed Maximilian Kilman from Wolves in a £40m deal.
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Premier League sides deducted points and others at risk
Nottingham Forest
Deducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.
Everton
Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.
Sheffield United
Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.
OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
Manchester City
Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
Chelsea
Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
Leicester
Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.
Everton (again)
The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season.
Kilman was new manager Julen Lopetegui’s top target having worked with the player when he was Wolves boss.
West Ham have been one of the busiest clubs in the Premier League this summer.
Todibo was the club’s sixth summer signing, joining the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug and Luis Guilherme who have all arrived for big money.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
