Jean-Clair Todibo makes West Ham United transfer decision after Juventus ‘wasted time’
West Ham are in pole position to sign Jean-Clair Todibo after “too much time” was wasted by Juventus to close a deal now being described as a “shipwreck”, according to Alfredo Pedulla.
The Italian journalist reported on 8 August that the Hammers have overtaken Juventus in the race to sign the OGC Nice centre-back following the Bianconeri’s “continuous postponement” to agree a deal for Todibo.
Todibo had reportedly “given priority” to Juventus as his preferred destination this summer, but their inability to reach a loan-to-buy agreement with Nice have turned his attention towards the Irons.
That has allowed the Hammers to swoop in and agree a £34million deal with Nice for Todibo [Fabrizio Romano, 8 August], as Julen Lopetegui’s side close in on signing a player who had been a “priority” signing for both sides.
West Ham United on the verge of Jean-Clair Todibo transfer
It’s undoubtedly been one of the overriding sagas in this summer’s transfer window, and if the Irons do end up sealing a deal to sign Todibo, Lopetegui will secure his number one centre-back target.
Lining up with Todibo alongside another new arrival in Max Kilman would arguably give the Hammers a defensive partnership which will many of their fellow Premier League sides will envy.
Todibo had seemingly made clear his desire to join Juventus over a switch to the London Stadium [Sky Italy, 25 July], but Tim Stiedten keeping his foot in the door for this transfer looks to have paid dividends.
Refusing to give up despite frequent rebuffs from the 24-year-old is an example of the Hammers’ willingness to go the distance to sign who they want this summer, and they’re now reaping the rewards.
With Todibo and Kilman lining up together and the likes of Kurt Zouma expected to move on to the UAE [Santi Aouna, 6 August], Lopetegui’s new-look defence will be a far cry from the backline which shipped 74 goals last season.
In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano has given his verdict on the Irons’ chances of signing another long-term transfer target.
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