Kurt Zouma has completed a surprising move to Romanian SuperLiga side CFR Cluj after being convinced by a former Manchester United and Arsenal star.
The former Chelsea defender, 30, became a free agent after the expiration of his contract at West Ham United in June.
Zouma turned out 103 times for the Hammers over a four-year period after making the move across London in a deal worth around £30million in 2021.
He will now ply his trade in Transylvania however after signing a two-year contract with CFR Cluj following talks earlier this week.
The club, who finished second in the SuperLiga last season, announced Zouma's transfer on Thursday with a statement on their website reading: '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 a social media clip posted on the club's social media pages, Zouma too expressed his delight.
'New chapter unlocked Romania, Kurt Zouma is here,' the Frenchman said.
The centre-back will have Premier League company in Cluj-Napoca after Mikael Silvestre agreed a deal to become their sporting director.
Silvestre made 275 appearances in the English top-flight during spells with Arsenal and Man United. He turned out for the Reds an impressive 361 times.
CFR Cluj club president Cristi Balaj admitted that the Englishman 'helped' get a deal over the line for Zouma.
'For him [Zouma] to sign, a lot of things can happen,' he said.
'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, probably tomorrow [it 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.'