West Ham United has officially announced the signing of French defender Jean-Clair Todibo from Ligue 1 side Nice on a season-long loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent in the summer of 2025. The 24-year-old center-back, who has been capped twice for France, joins the Hammers after making 136 appearances for Nice since his move there in 2021.Todibo expressed his excitement about the move, stating, ‘I am really excited to be signing for West Ham United. It is a dream come true to play in the Premier League, the best league in the world’. He further added, ‘This is an amazing opportunity for me, at a club with huge ambition, who want to really make progress under the new head coach’.While the exact financial details of the transfer were not disclosed, British media reported that the buy option is worth around 40 million euros ($43.66 million). West Ham’s Sporting Director Tim Steidten emphasized the significance of the signing, saying, ‘The interest in Todibo was huge this summer, so we’re grateful to the board for supporting us in signing a player who is reaching the peak of his career’.This move could prove crucial for West Ham, especially given the uncertain futures of current defenders Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma. Todibo is expected to adapt quickly to the Premier League and excel under new Head Coach Julen Lopetegui.Interestingly, the transfer also benefits Todibo’s former club Barcelona. The Catalan giants are set to receive 8 million euros from the deal, in addition to the 8.5 million euros they received when they initially sold him to Nice. This transfer marks another step in Todibo’s career, which has included stints at Schalke 04 and Benfica before his successful spell at Nice.
Key points
- West Ham United has signed Jean-Clair Todibo on a season-long loan from Nice with an option to buy.
- The potential permanent transfer fee is reported to be around 40 million euros.
- Todibo has made 136 appearances for Nice since 2021 and has been capped twice for France.
- The transfer also benefits Barcelona, Todibo’s former club, who will receive 8 million euros from the deal.
