A new twist in the winter transfer window suggests that Kurt Zouma’s previously expected move to Shandong Taishan may no longer be happening.
The 31-year-old French centre back, who has played for clubs such as Saint-Étienne, Chelsea, and West Ham United, is a free agent after leaving Romanian club CFR Cluj, having made just four appearances since joining in September.
Reports emerged last week that Zouma was in talks with Chinese Super League club Shandong Taishan, in a move that would have seen him become arguably the best-known player to move to the Middle Kingdom since the end of the ‘golden era’ of high-profile transfers.
It was believed that the 6-foot-3 centre back would have made a significant impact for Shandong, shoring up the defensive unit in front of goalkeeper Wang Dalei, and it appeared the transfer was simply awaiting the completion of formalities between the two parties.
However, reports from China now suggest the deal could be off due to concerns from Shandong about Zouma’s physical condition.
He has played just four matches this season and has been without a club for over a month, with concerns raised about his ability to keep up with intensive training and his overall fitness not meeting the club’s requirements.
It will come as a blow for the Jinan-based club, with the new season starting in just about a month, as finding an import centre back so late in the window will be challenging, and domestic alternatives may be the only options left.