France international of Central Africa Republic descent, Kurt Zouma is on the brink of joining Chinese Super League side Shandong Taishan FC.
Having reached an agreement with the club, the former Chelsea and West Ham United, who is now a free agent will in the coming days put pen to paper. He is expected to sign a one-year contract, with an option for a further season included should both parties be satisfied.
Zouma has been without a club since the termination of his contract with Romanian side CFR Cluj, a brief and turbulent spell that ended prematurely.
The move would represent another chapter in a career that has spanned several leagues and continents. A product of the AS Saint-Étienne academy, Zouma rose to prominence early in his career before earning a high-profile transfer to England. It was in the Premier League where he truly established his reputation, featuring for Chelsea, Stoke City, Everton, and West Ham United.
During his time at Chelsea, Zouma enjoyed the most successful period of his career, collecting multiple major honours, including domestic and European trophies. His physical presence, aerial dominance, and defensive reliability made him a familiar figure in England’s top flight for over a decade.
On the international stage, Zouma represented France 11 times, scoring once, and was part of the national setup during a competitive era for Les Bleus. In more recent years, he expanded his horizons beyond Europe, spending part of the 2024/25 season on loan at Saudi Arabian club Al-Orobah from West Ham United.
After leaving the Hammers as a free agent, Zouma opted for a move to CFR Cluj in Romania. However, his time there proved short-lived, with the defender reportedly terminating his contract due to financial issues and unpaid wages, prompting another swift exit.
Now, China could be his next stop, as Shandong Taishan look to bolster their squad with proven international experience. If the deal is finalised, Zouma will bring leadership, pedigree, and a wealth of top-level experience to the Chinese Super League as he seeks stability and a fresh start at this stage of his career.
