OMNISPORT

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma has completed a season-long loan move to Stoke City.

The defender also penned a new six-year contract at Chelsea, indicating his future at Stamford Bridge is not yet complete.

“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," Stoke City boss Mark Hughes told the club's official website.

“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."

“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."

Zouma joined Chelsea from Saint-Etienne in 2014-15 and has made 71 appearances for the Blues. He appeared to be on the fast track for success at Stamford Bridge, but suffered an ACL tear in 2015-16 which put him on the sidelines for a significant spell. 

The 22-year-old defender returned last season but was limited to just nine league appearances for the Blues, making just three starts.

Antonio Rudiger's arrival from Roma and Andreas Christensen's return from a loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach have pushed him further down the pecking order, and he moves to the bet365 Stadium in a bid to earn more minutes.

However, in signing the new contract with Chelsea, the club believes Zouma can be an asset for them in the future, once he proves himself back fully fit.

"It is fantastic Kurt has chosen to commit his future to Chelsea," Blues technical director Michael Emenalo told the club's website. "He has shown his talent since joining us three years ago, and has returned from a serious injury with a fantastic attitude.

"Now he has the opportunity to play regularly in the Premier League and we will be monitoring his progress closely while he is at Stoke."