Kurt Zouma joins second-tier club and leaves UAE Pro League without playing one game

Ex-West Ham defender Kurt Zouma has signed for UAE second-tier side Palm City.

The 31-year-old signed for Emirati outfit Al-Wasl in February but failed to make a single appearance for the UAE Pro League club.

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The defender, who signed a short-term deal with the UAE Pro League side, recently left the club after his contract expired.

However, he will now remain in Dubai and try his hand in the UAE First Division League – one level below the Pro League.

Zouma, who earned 11 caps for France, joins the ninth club of his professional career having represented four English clubs.

Chelsea handed the defender his first taste of Premier League football when they signed him from French club Saint-Etienne.

Zouma clocked up a respectable 327 appearances in English football, scoring 19 times.

He enjoyed loan spells at Stoke City and Everton before signing a permanent contract with the Hammers in 2021.

His final year at the London Stadium was spent on loan at Saudi Arabian club Al Orobah.

Ill-fated spell in Romania

Zouma had hoped to get his career back on track last September when he signed for Romanian club CFR Cluj.

But his contract was terminated after featuring just four times and departed the club in January 2026.

Asked about the circumstances surrounding the player’s exit, Cluj boss Daniel Pancu said:  “Zouma, I know there were discussions between him and the club to find a solution for him to leave. And that’s about it.”

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Cluj Director of Football Daniel Stanciu later told reporters that Zouma had ‘resigned’ citing the defender’s ‘high salary’ for his exit.

The towering centre-back will hope his move to Palm City will provide him with career stability which has been lacking in recent times.

Palm City are a newly formed club having been founded in October 2023 by former professional footballer Soheil Var.

Former Newcastle defender Steven Taylor was appointed their first ever head coach and he was followed by former Magpies’ striker Demba Ba.

The club enjoyed a successful 2025/26 campaign having secured a Second Division and UAE FA Cup double.

Palm City also have links with the EFL having established a partnership with League Two club Fleetwood Town.