Zabaleta’s future at West Ham is in doubt, and his comments suggest a move is on the cards.
Pablo Zabaleta has discussed his future and suggested that he could leave West Ham United next summer and move to the Middle East – and Hammers fans have reacted to his comments by urging the club to offer him a new deal.
Zabaleta, now 33, is in the final year of his £75,000-a-week contract (Spotrac) at West Ham, after signing a two-year contract with the Hammers in the summer of 2017.
The former Manchester City right-back told Arab News that he had spoken to Manu Lanzini about playing in the Middle East, with the Argentine playmaker turning out for United Arab Emirates side Al Jazira between 2014 and 2016.
Zabaleta also added that he is looking for a move there when finished with English football, and is ready to listen to his body as he turns 34 in January.
“At 34 I think it might be the right time to try something different, have a new experience,” Zabaleta said. “I spoke to Manu about his experience and he said it was great. The difference was he was only 21, then wanted to go to Europe.”
The 58-time Argentina international has been key for West Ham under Manuel Pellegrini this season, starting eight of West Ham’s 11 Premier League matches and even captaining the side in the 4-2 win over Burnley – with Mark Noble banned.
He has endeared himself to West Ham fans since joining the club just over a year ago and fans are desperate to see him stay, despite his contract entering its final months.
Indeed, non-English clubs can sign him under the Bosman ruling from January 1 on a pre-contract agreement. But Hammers supporters want a new deal instead.
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