The fortunes of two former West Ham footballers have taken a downturn — if recent reports are accurate.
There are unconfirmed claims that ex-Hammers centre-back Luizao has been released by Brazilian Serie B side Criciúma EC. He signed a short-term deal with the club at the end of September, which is believed to have expired in November. The 23-year-old made just one appearance, and if reports are substantiated, he will soon be on the hunt for a new club.
Luizao joined West Ham in January 2023 on a free transfer from São Paulo and became a regular in the Academy side, racking up 56 appearances, scoring five goals and providing one assist. He spent time on loan at Polish team Pogoń Szczecin last season, where he featured four times for the senior side and twice in the reserves. His West Ham contract was terminated by mutual consent in August 2025.
Injury Woes for Zouma in Romania
Meanwhile, former West Ham defender Kurt Zouma, once billed as a marquee signing for Romanian outfit CFR Cluj, is also facing an uncertain future. The Frenchman has made just four appearances — totalling 107 minutes — since joining. Despite playing 19 times for Saudi club Al-Orobah last season, injuries have hampered his progress.
Although contracted until June 2027, both Zouma and CFR Cluj are reportedly in talks over an early termination. Club president Iuliu Mureșan told Fanatik: “Zouma is injured. I think a winter change is possible. It’s hard for him to play football at this level anymore.”
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Both players now find themselves at pivotal crossroads in their careers — and time will tell where they end up next.