West Ham United next signing named after ‘outrageously good’ Todibo deal
West Ham signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka is not “out of the question” after a deal was agreed for Jean-Clair Todibo, according too Toby Cudworth.
The 90min journalist posted on X (9 August) saying that he was getting “giddy” when thinking of the starting XI the Irons could field next season, after a deal was struck with Nice for the signing of Todibo.
Describing 24-year-old centre-back Todibo as an “outrageously good signing” if the transfer is completed, Cudworth added that right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka could still make a move to East London.
Wan-Bissaka, his club Manchester United, and the Hammers are reportedly locked in talks over a deal for the 26-year-old, who has emerged as Julen Lopetegui’s number one target in his position [TEAMtalk, 8 August].
West Ham defying expectations with Jean-Clair Todibo transfer
Despite finishing ninth in the Premier League last season, shipping 74 goals and missing out on European qualification, the Irons beating Juventus to Todibo’s signature is a massive statement of their intent.
A transfer fee of over £34million [Fabrizio Romano, 8 August] – following an initial season-long loan – will take the Irons’ spending on centre-backs alone beyond £70m, after Max Kilman also arrived from Wolves last month.
Adding Wan-Bissaka for an asking price of £18m will give the Hammers a completely new-look defence [The Sun, 5 August], which appears to be exactly what Lopetegui was hoping for upon his appointment.
The right-back reportedly wants the move to the London Stadium [TEAMtalk, 31 July], and this will surely make agreeing personal terms between the two parties relatively straight forward – which is more good news for Lopetegui.
Given the Irons’ 74 concessions last season was the highest of any side not to be relegated, Lopetegui’s complete overhaul of the defence looks set to pay dividends with so many high-profile signings made.
In other West Ham news, another Ligue 1 side are reportedly set to match the Hammers’ bid for one centre-back transfer.
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