Stoke City have confirmed the signing of Kurt Zouma on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
Earlier this week, pictures circulated on social media showing Zouma at Stoke's Clayton Wood training ground in the club's training attire, suggesting that he was on the verge of moving to the Potters.
As expected, Stoke have now confirmed the arrival of the French centre-back, who will spend the 2017-18 campaign on loan as he bids to overcome his injury problems.
The 22-year-old managed just three Premier League starts under Antonio Conte last season, although the defender did not return from a cruciate ligament knee injury until midway through the campaign.
✍️ #SCFC are pleased to confirm the signing of @KurtZouma on a season-long loan from @premierleague Champions @ChelseaFC#WelcomeZouma 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Y0zlU0Sa8d
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) July 21, 2017
Stoke boss Mark Hughes told the club's official website: "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."
Zouma has become Stoke's third summer signing following the arrivals of Darren Fletcher and Josh Tymon.
Matt Law
