Stoke City have signed young prospect, Kurt Zouma from Chelsea on a season long loan after the Frenchman signed a new 6 year deal with the champions. Highly thought of it’ll be interesting to see how he plays with much more game time.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes said this about Kurt Zouma:
“Kurt is undoubtedly one of the most talented young defenders in the game, so naturally his arrival will enhance our playing squad for the forthcoming campaign.
“We have prioritised adding further strength in depth to defensive positions this summer, and we have certainly done that by fending off any number of clubs who were all interested in taking Kurt on loan. He first caught my attention as a 17-year-old during his time at Saint-Etienne, and in fact, I actually tried to sign him at that point in his career, but whilst that deal never materialised I am delighted to finally get the opportunity to work with him now.
“On his day he is one of the most impressive defenders in the league, and whilst injury, unfortunately, hampered his progress at Chelsea last season, we are certain that we can give him the platform to recapture the form he showed prior to his setback.”
Fantasy Football Potential
Kurt Zouma missed 9 months of the 2016/17 season with cruciate ligament damage which saw him be a “start stop” player for Conte. Before the injury occurred Zouma featured 21 times in the 2015/16 season and looked certain to be a big part of Chelsea’s title-winning campaign.
At 22 years of age Zouma is certainly a one to be watched while at Stoke and if he keeps fit he could be one of the stand-out defenders in the league. With his main attributes being aerial duels and positioning it is clear he has the defensive mentality and physical presence.
Bearing in mind his injury he still made 13 appearances in all competitions that include Premier league and FA cup. The competition at Stoke for Centre backs will certainly make Zouma fight for his place with Marc Muniesa, Ryan Shawcross and Geoff Cameron, whilst being still interested in last season loanee Martins-Indi.
Priced at 5.5m I’d not expect Zouma to be chosen a lot as Stoke’s opening fixtures are difficult to say the least and he is currently only in 2.1% of Fantasy Premier League manager’s teams at the moment.
Stoke City’s’ opening fixtures are as followed; Everton (A), Arsenal (H), West Brom (A), Man United (H) & Newcastle United (A).
If you have enjoyed this view of the fantasy potential of those moving teams this transfer window, be sure to check the others here.
Written by James Milburn (@jamesmilburn95)
