Amina UmarWest Ham United’s pursuit of Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo continues, despite the recent signing of Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers’ interest in Todibo remains, but a deal is complicated by the high transfer fee, reported to be around £45-£50 million.Juventus has also joined the race to sign Todibo, who has been described as a “Rolls-Royce” by football scout Antonio Mango. However, the Italian club may also find the price tag too steep.
Romano stated on the Here We Go podcast, “Interest from West Ham is still there… but it’s still too expensive for them, so it’s not easy at all. Keep an eye on Juventus because the manager and director also appreciate Todibo. It could be too expensive also in this case, but Juventus keep following the situation of the player.”West Ham’s search for a center-back has been driven by uncertainty surrounding their current players.
Angelo Ogbonna departed earlier in the summer, and reports suggest the club may be open to selling Nayef Aguerd, who has been a key figure in the Hammers’ defense since his arrival from Rennes in 2022. Football Insider reports that the club expects bids around £30 million from Saudi Arabia later in the window and is willing to let him leave following Kilman’s arrival.Aguerd has made nearly 60 appearances for West Ham in all competitions since signing in 2022 and has a long-term deal that expires in 2027. His departure would further justify the pursuit of Todibo, who has impressed in Ligue 1 with Nice.
West Ham’s summer transfer activity has been significant, with the signings of Kilman, Luis Guilherme, and Wes Foderingham. The club finished ninth in the Premier League last season and missed out on European qualification. New head coach Julen Lopetegui has been tasked with improving the team, and the addition of Todibo would be a significant boost to their defensive options.
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