Zouma in bizarre transfer to Romania thanks to ex-Man Utd and Arsenal star

KURT ZOUMA has sealed a shock move to Romanian bigwigs FR Cluj.

The former Chelsea and West Ham defender held talks with the SuperLiga side over a move to Transylvania earlier this week.

3 Former West Ham skipper Kurt Zouma has joined FC Cluj on a free transfer Credit: ALAMY

3 The 30-year-old was released by West Ham in the summer following the expiration of his contract Credit: REX

And the defender, 30, has penned a two-year deal with the outfit.

His deal at the Dr. Constantin Radulescu Stadium includes the option of a third year.

Cluj have signed Zouma on a free transfer as the Frenchman was a free agent following his release by West Ham in June.

They announced his signing in a video package on their social media channels and a statement on their website.

A snippet of the statement read: "We are excited to announce that, starting today, Kurt Zouma is the new player on our team!

"Zouma has an impressive career, with experience at the highest level."

In the social media clip, Zouma - who spent last season on loan in Saudi Arabia with Al-Orobah - expressed his delight at his Transylvanian transfer.

He said: "New chapter unlocked. Romania, Kurt Zouma is here."

3 Former Arsenal and Manchester United ace Mikael Silvestre played a role in Kurt Zouma's Cluj move Credit: GETTY

Zouma's move to Cluj was partly facilitated by the club's soon-to-be sporting director, former Arsenal and Manchester United star Mikael Silvestre.

Prior to Zouma's arrival, club president Cristi Balaj said: “For him to sign, a lot of things have to happen.

"He’s in Cluj. When the announcement appears on the website, then I’ll speak.

"I have a rule, I can’t speak before it appears on the website.

“There are chances, yes. There are chances, probably tomorrow [on Wednesday, Zouma could be announced].

"Now, he’s here. Mikael Silvestre helps, he helps us in this aspect.

“He comes from a free agent position. I can’t give more details.”