Former Chelsea Defender Breaks Transfer Record In Romania

Kurt Zouma, the experienced former Chelsea and West Ham United centre-back, has officially signed with Romanian SuperLiga side CFR Cluj. The 30-year-old Frenchman agreed to a two-year contract—with an option to extend for an additional two seasons—marking a significant coup for Romanian football. 

His arrival was unveiled on 3 September 2025 through a creative promotional campaign across the club’s official website and social media channels, featuring the dramatic slogans: “Luați o pauză de la Insulă” (“Take a break from the Island”) and “Romania, meet Kurt Zouma.” 

Several key figures played instrumental roles in bringing the deal to fruition. Former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre, now taking up the role of CFR Cluj’s sporting director, was pivotal in facilitating the transfer. This strategic influence was endorsed by the club president, Cristi Balaj. 

Neluțu Varga, the club’s owner, was present at the official signing—the first time he personally attended such an event. He lauded Zouma not only as a player but also as a leader with exceptional character, emphasizing the defender’s potential influence both on and off the pitch. “Acest transfer înseamnă o eră nouă la CFR,” he declared, outlining ambitious plans that include raising standards and nurturing a reformative ethos at the club. 

In Romania, the transfer has been hailed as unprecedented. Some media outlets characterized the move as possibly “the most important transfer in the history of modern Romanian football.” With Zouma valued at approximately €10 million, per Transfermarkt, he is now the most expensive player in the SuperLiga. 

Veteran journalist Victor Angelescu, president of rival club Rapid București, expressed astonishment at the move. He described it as a significant image coup for CFR Cluj and praised the signing, so long as Zouma remains free of any lingering physical issues. 

Zouma, whose impressive résumé includes Champions League and Premier League triumphs with Chelsea—plus a UEFA Europa Conference League win with West Ham—last played while on loan at Al-Orobah in Saudi Arabia. He arrived at CFR Cluj following his release from West Ham at the close of his contract in June 2025.