West Ham United has been actively pursuing Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo over the past couple of weeks. The Hammers recently submitted a bid worth around £30 million for the talented French defender.
West Ham’s head coach, Julen Lopetegui, is on a mission to bolster his central defensive options during the summer transfer window. Lopetegui has already made a significant addition to the squad by bringing in his former player, Max Kilman, in a blockbuster £40 million deal. The 27-year-old former Wolves skipper is expected to be a valuable asset for the Hammers.
Addressing Defensive Struggles
Despite the acquisition of Kilman, West Ham’s defensive struggles last season, particularly with Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd, highlight the need for another high-quality centre-back. The prospect of Todibo pairing with Kilman in central defence is an exciting one for West Ham fans.
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Jean-Clair Todibo has been outstanding since joining Nice from Barcelona in 2021. He has established himself as one of the top central defenders in Ligue 1, though he has not regularly featured for the French national team due to the presence of stars like William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano.
Lopetegui is a strong admirer of Todibo, and West Ham’s substantial offer for him has not gone unnoticed. Juventus has even accused West Ham of ‘inflating the market’ with their bid. Initially, Nice set Todibo’s price at £34 million, but the situation has changed.
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Jean-Clair Todibo Increasing Demands from Nice
Fabrizio Romano reports that Nice is now demanding £38 million for Todibo, which is £8 million more than West Ham’s initial offer and £4 million more than the original asking price. Despite the increase, this price is still considered a good deal for the 24-year-old defender who has the potential to improve significantly over the next decade.
Todibo’s attributes, including his raw power, pace, and exceptional game-reading ability, make him an ideal fit for Premier League football. His impressive 6ft 3in frame adds to his suitability for the physical demands of the league.
Competition from Aston Villa
However, West Ham faces new competition in their pursuit of Todibo, as Aston Villa has also expressed interest in signing him. This adds a layer of complexity to the transfer, as both clubs are now vying for his signature.
The pursuit of Jean-Clair Todibo by West Ham United has taken a significant twist with Nice increasing their asking price and Aston Villa entering the race. Despite the higher price tag, Todibo represents a valuable long-term investment for West Ham, with his potential to elevate their defensive line significantly. As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether West Ham can secure Todibo’s signature amidst the competition from Aston Villa.
The Hammers’ efforts to strengthen their squad continue, as they aim to build a robust team capable of competing on multiple fronts in the upcoming season.