Sport nationWest Ham United is on the verge of pulling off a major coup in the transfer market by signing highly coveted OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo. According to Fabrizio Romano, West Ham technical director Tim Steidten has traveled to France to finalize a deal worth around £34 million plus a sell-on clause.
The Hammers’ move for Todibo comes as a surprise, as Juventus were previously considered the front-runners to sign the France international. However, West Ham’s renewed interest has thrown a spanner in the works, and the club is now poised to hijack the deal.
Todibo was a key player for Nice last season, helping the Ligue 1 side secure Europa League football. He had drawn interest from Manchester United, but the Red Devils were unable to complete a deal due to UEFA’s rules on multi-club ownership.
With Manchester United out of the way, other top European teams entered the race to sign Todibo. However, Juventus were considered his next destination, with manager Thiago Motta eager to overhaul his squad. Todibo was also keen on the move, but West Ham’s late intervention has changed the landscape.
The Hammers had initially cooled their interest in Todibo, but Kurt Zouma’s impending move to the Middle East forced the club to revive the deal. With Zouma’s departure looming, manager Julen Lopetegui is facing a defensive crisis, and Todibo’s signing would be a major boost.
West Ham is determined to capitalize on Juventus’ stalling and close the deal as early as this weekend. The club is trying to schedule Todibo’s medical for later today, and the Frenchman could be confirmed as a West Ham player within the next 48 hours.
Todibo’s signing would be West Ham’s seventh of the summer transfer window, and the club is eager to wrap up the deal quickly to avoid any late twists. The Hammers have already made six signings this summer, but Todibo’s arrival would be the most significant.
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Amina Umar
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