Kurt Zouma's surprise switch to Shabab Al-Ahli 'COLLAPSES after West Ham defender failed a medical' - as the two clubs desperately try to revive the move

Kurt Zouma's transfer to United Arab Emirates side Shabab Al-Ahli has broken down after the player failed his medical ahead of joining the club.

The West Ham captain was set to join the Middle Eastern outfit as a free agent and had travelled to Dubai for a regulatory medical that all football transfers are subjected to.

However, Zouma failed the medical which has left the move in ruins and West Ham now wait to see whether an alternative solution for the centre-back can be found.

The situation could prove to be a huge headache for the London club who have just completed a loan deal for Jean-Clair Todibo from Ligue 1 side Nice that includes a £34m buy option.

Zouma, 29, has been with the Hammers since 2021 after arriving from Chelsea for £29.8million and has grown to be a leader in the squad that has won European titles in recent seasons.

He has gone on to rack up 103 appearances in all competitions and was part of the West Ham side who won the Europa Conference League in 2023. 

Zouma was subsequently named club captain at the start of the following season after Declan Rice joined Arsenal for £105m.

Zouma, who has a year remaining on his contract, is believed to be one of the highest earners at the London Stadium. 

His departure will help to improve West Ham's wage budget after a significant summer overhaul under new boss Julen Lopetegui.

The Frenchman is believed to be one of the club's top earners and a deal breaking down at this stage could cause problems for any remaining business West Ham had planned to do.

The Hammers have already signed Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme and Guido Rodriguez for a combined £117.5m outlay this window.

His intended departure was also set to bring an end his 10-year stay in English football after he originally joined Chelsea from Saint-Etienne for £12m as a 19-year-old in 2014.