West Ham has finalized a loan deal for Jean-Clair Todibo, securing the Nice defender with an option to buy. The agreement strengthens West Ham’s defense as they continue to build for the upcoming season.
This move marks Todibo as the seventh player added to the Hammers’ roster during this summer’s transfer window. The club has been active in the market, aiming to bolster their squad with quality signings.
Before West Ham’s successful bid, Juventus had tried to strike a deal with Nice for Todibo but couldn’t reach an agreement. With Juventus unable to finalize the transfer, West Ham took advantage and completed the deal. The Hammers acted quickly and outpaced the Italian club to secure Todibo.
West Ham seals the deal for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo
The agreement begins with an initial loan, giving West Ham the option to get Todibo for £35 million. This structure allows the Hammers flexibility while securing a potential long-term addition to their defense.
This summer, West Ham arranged a deal to loan Todibo with an option to buy for €32 million (£27 million). They planned to complete the move initially, but Todibo’s wait for a potential transfer to Juventus delayed it. As Todibo anticipated developments with the Italian club, West Ham put their deal on hold.
West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten, traveled to Nice on Thursday upon learning that Todibo’s transfer was back on track. This development occurred after Juventus failed to finalize their agreement with Nice, allowing West Ham to pursue the deal.
Steidten’s trip to Nice was crucial in finalizing the arrangements. His presence helped ensure that the loan deal with an option to buy for Todibo could proceed smoothly, marking a critical moment in West Ham’s summer transfer activity.
Steidten then completed the loan deal with an option to buy. He and Todibo flew back on Friday, where the 24-year-old underwent a medical examination.
“I am really excited to be signing for West Ham United,” the center-back told the club’s official website. It is a dream come true to play in the Premier League, the best league in the world.
“This is an amazing opportunity for me, at a club with huge ambition, who want to really make progress under the new head coach.”
“It feels like the right time to be coming to West Ham, in the heart of London, with an amazing, passionate fan base. I’m so excited to pull on the West Ham shirt and play at the London Stadium in the Premier League.”
Steidten also said: “It’s no secret that Jean-Clair is a player we’ve been tracking for some time, so we’re delighted to have got this signing over the line ahead of the start of the new season.”
He’s got proven pedigree in European football, especially in France, where he has shone in recent years, showing all of his qualities as one of the finest ball-playing center-halves in Ligue 1
“There was huge interest from across Europe for his signature this summer, and we’re once again indebted to the board for backing us to bring in a player who is approaching the peak years of his career.”
Todibo becomes West Ham’s seventh summer signing under new manager Julen Lopetegui. The club has also welcomed Max Kilman, Luis Guilherme, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Guido Rodriguez, and Wes Foderingham.
When does the summer transfer window end?
The 2024 summer transfer window officially closes on August 30 at 11 p.m. UK time for the Premier League and at 11:30 p.m. in Scotland.
The Premier League moved Deadline Day to match other major European leagues. After talking with leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France, they decided on the new dates.
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