West Ham United to pay fortune for Jean-Clair Todibo transfer in new Barcelona twist
Barcelona are set to benefit as West Ham get ready to pay a “fortune” for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, according to Marca.
The Spanish outlet reported [10 August] that the La Liga side will earn £7.2million from the transfer thanks to a 20 per cent sell-on fee after the player signed for Nice in the summer of 2021.
Todibo arrives at the London Stadium on a loan-to-buy deal worth £34.2million [Fabrizio Romano], with the Hammers signing the 24-year-old defender who once cost Barcelona just £855,000 in 2019.
Jean-Clair Todibo puts pen to paper on West Ham United deal
Julen Lopetegui’s side will not be too bothered by the defender’s sell-on clause, though Barcelona will certainly be buzzing with the extra income from a defender who cost them under £1million a few seasons ago.
It may have forced the French side to up their asking price for the 24-year-old, knowing they would lose out on some of the profit, but West Ham will not be concerned after his addition this summer.
The Irons’ biggest focus will be on the fact they have managed to bring in a new defender to partner Max Kilman, especially with Kurt Zouma edging closer to an exit and Nayef Aguerd also being linked with an exit [David Ornstein].
David Moyes’ defence was the epicentre of criticism last season, particularly in the Premier League as only Sheffield United conceded more goals, and Lopetegui is clearly unhappy with what he’s seen in pre-season.
The Hammers could have a much-changed backline by the time the new season kicks off. Kilman and Todibo could be an extremely solid partnership, with Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka getting closer to a move [Manchester Evening News].
Todibo experienced several loan spells before settling down in Ligue 1 with Nice, managing to win two international caps with France while racking up over 119 appearances at club level.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers want to sign Jaka Bijol as £19.8million transfer update emerges.
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