Former West Ham and Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma is being linked with a surprise move to Paraguayan giants Cerro Porteño after becoming a free agent.
The 31-year-old centre-back, currently listed as “Without Club” after leaving Romanian side CFR Cluj in January 2026, is the subject of speculation over a potential switch to the Primera División Apertura, according to data from Transfermarkt. No fee would be involved and the reported probability of the move is currently unclear, marked only as “?”.
Zouma, valued at €4.00m in the latest market assessment, would represent a high-profile acquisition for Cerro Porteño if negotiations progress. His availability on a free transfer is expected to attract interest, with the Paraguayan club reportedly exploring the possibility of adding his experience and aerial presence to their back line.
The Lyon-born defender, who holds both French and Central African Republic nationality, has spent the bulk of his career in Europe’s major leagues. After emerging at AS Saint-Étienne, he earned a move to Chelsea, where subsequent loans to Stoke City and Everton preceded a permanent switch to West Ham United. A later spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Orobah FC was followed by his move to CFR Cluj and then into free agency.
Zouma’s market value has declined from a peak of €35m during his Chelsea days to its current €4m mark, reflecting his transition from Premier League regular to experienced journeyman. Standing at 1.90m and operating primarily as a right-footed centre-back, he would bring physicality and top-level pedigree to South America’s club scene if Cerro Porteño choose to press ahead.
With no agreement in place and no contract details disclosed, the situation remains firmly in the realm of rumour, but a move to Paraguay would mark a striking new chapter in Zouma’s career and could redefine his legacy far from the European spotlight if it eventually materialises.
