How West Ham hijacked deal for Jean-Clair Todibo
West Ham are close to securing the signing of Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo after a deal has been agreed.
According to a report from Sky Sports, the deal will be an initial loan with an option to buy for £35 million.
David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that the Hammers have agreed personal terms with the French defender and that he is set for a medical today.
Dharmesh Sheth has shared the latest update on the situation.
Writing on X, the Sky Sports journalist has shared that Todibo is currently travelling to London with West Ham technical director Tim Steidten.
The medical will be conducted shortly. In the last 24 hours, Steidten held lengthy talks with Todibo and convinced him to join West Ham.
Sheth wrote: “Todibo travelling to London now with West Ham technical director Tim Steidten. Medical to start shortly.
“It’s understood Steidten held lengthy talks with Todibo in the last 24 hours and convinced him to join.”
West Ham had a bid in the region of £25.7 million was rejected by Nice, but they kept in touch with the French club. At one point, they felt that the defender would join Juventus.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, the Hammers have now hijacked the deal, and Todibo will become the second defender to join West Ham after Max Kilman joined from Wolves earlier this summer.
Fabrizio Romano has further added more details on how West Ham managed to pulled off the deal.
He wrote on X that Steidten offered an easy obligation-to-buy clause (€40m almost guaranteed) and sell-on clause, which was key for Nice to beat Juventus in the race.
Romano wrote: “Jean-Clair Todibo accepted West Ham proposal during the night and he will now land in London before lunch time.
“Tim Steidten offered easy obligation to buy clause (€40m almost guaranteed) and sell-on clause (key for Nice) to beat Juventus proposal. Crazy saga, over.”
This is indeed a terrific piece of business from West Ham. Todibo’s arrival will now pave the way for Kurt Zouma’s departure. Nayef Aguerd could also leave the club this summer.
West Ham should now look to sign a new right-back, with Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka being one of their top targets.
