West Ham United reach total agreement for next signing – David Ornstein
West Ham have reached a “total agreement” with OGC Nice for the loan-to-buy signing of Jean-Clair Todibo, according to David Ornstein.
The Athletic journalist posted on X (9 August) to state that the Hammers and Nice had agreed a season-long loan for the 24-year-old centre-back, with an option to buy in the summer of 2024.
Personal terms with the French international have also reportedly been agreed by the Irons’ hierarchy, with Todibo set to complete a medical ahead of his move to the London Stadium.
Todibo remains in the sights of Serie A side Juventus and had previously decided on a move to the Bianconeri over the Hammers, but Julen Lopetegui’s side are now working to wrap up the deal.
Jean-Clair Todibo transfer represents West Ham United turnaround
Completing a deal for Todibo following weeks of dead-ends would be quite the turnaround at the London Stadium, and give Julen Lopetegui the new-look centre-back partnership he wanted for next season.
Todibo being seemingly set on a move to Turin looked to have scuppered any chance of the Irons bringing the 24-year-old to the Premier League [Gazzetta dello Sport, 31 July], but now he appears bound for East London.
The Hammers certainly haven’t been afraid to throw their financial weight around so far this summer, and have already spent £40million to sign one centre-back – former Wolves captain Max Kilman.
An option-to-buy, rather than an obligation, suggests that Nice would potentially still be keen to bring Todibo back to Ligue 1 in 2025, but that won’t matter much if he has a strong campaign with the Irons.
Todibo’s value could sky-rocket if he proves to be as good as Lopetegui hopes next season, and with a £34m permanent fee reportedly agreed [Fabrizio Romano, 8 August], that could prove to be a bargain for West Ham next summer.
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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