Kurt Zouma Joins CFR Cluj in Surprise Romanian Move

Kurt Zouma has joined CFR Cluj on a two-year contract after leaving Premier League side West Ham this summer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

CFR Cluj announced the signing of Kurt Zouma on Sunday after the defender completed his medical and agreed on a contract that runs until the summer of 2027 with an option to extend for another two seasons. The 26-cap France international, a UEFA Champions League winner during his time with Chelsea, arrives after a spell with West Ham, who he left in the summer upon the expiry of his contract. Zouma, who was earning a staggering £125,000 per week during his time in east London, is being celebrated as a major squad addition, with the CFR Cluj president emphasizing the experience he will add to the ranks. “An exceptional player and a guy with a great character,” he said. “He will bring a lot of value to the team and be an example in the dressing room.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Zouma is arriving in Romania with the side in the hunt for a Liga I title. Seven games into their season, CFR Cluj are 14th in the standings with 6 points—fourteen already behind Craiova as they are the 3rd team from the bottom of the standings. The defence has been shaky, conceding sixteen goals in the opening domestic games of the season. Now, Zouma arrives as the most experienced defender at the club, having played 27 matches for West Ham last term. He scored one goal during that campaign and played his part in the side’s fourteenth place finish before leaving this summer as a free agent. His addition adds vital leadership to the team and their young squad.

WHAT’S NEXT?

CFR Cluj return to action after the international break in a key Liga I match. They take on last-placed Metaloglobus București, who have just one point to their name. A win could see CFR Cluj move up to second in the standings and narrow the gap on FCSB, but a defeat would put them at risk of slipping further behind their rivals. Zouma is expected to be in the matchday squad and could be handed his debut immediately. With his adaptability allowing him to slot in anywhere across defence, Zouma could well make his bow against Metaloglobus and put himself in contention for a long-lasting spot in the starting line-up. His impact on and off the pitch will be keenly observed in the coming weeks.