Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo is yet to decide on his next club as West Ham have agreed a deal with the Ligue 1 side to take the 24-year-old on loan ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Hammers will sign the French star on a temporary basis for one season with a €32m purchase option attached to the deal.
Sources have told us CaughtOffside that Todibo has been given a contract until 2029/2030 by the Premier League club, but the centre-back has not decided where he wants to play next season.
The Nice star’s agents are still in talks with Juventus over a potential deal but the Serie A side are unwilling to match the asking price of 32 million euros.
This has left West Ham leading the race as it remains to be seen whether the London club can secure a deal for the centre-back in the coming weeks.
Man United were also in the race for Todibo at one point this summer, however, The Telegraph reports that the Manchester club have been blocked from signing the 24-year-old under UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules as INEOS has a stake in both European clubs. .
The French star could be on his way to Old Trafford this summer but now needs to choose another path for his career.
Why are West Ham looking for Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo?
Julen Lopetegui wants to strengthen West Ham’s defense ahead of the 2024/25 campaign as it was a major problem for the Hammers last season, with David Moyes’ side one of the worst in the Premier League.
Todibo would be a good option to strengthen the Irons backline as he has been the best defender in France since his move to Nice in 2021.
The 24-year-old is a very athletic and strong defender, while also being good in 1v1 situations. His style suits the Premier League and will allow Lopetegui to push his backline further up the pitch as he can rely on the Nice star’s recovery speed.
Todibo’s future will become clear in the coming weeks as West Ham and Juventus try to find ways to bring the French star to their clubs.
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