West Ham are closing in on the signing of Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo after the Frenchman grew frustrated waiting for a move to Juventus.
Todibo is now set to undergo a medical at West Ham following a dramatic intervention by the Hammers’ technical director, Tim Steidten.
Last month, West Ham reached a loan-to-buy agreement with Nice for the 24-year-old, valued at just under £28 million. However, Todibo initially rejected the move, hoping for a transfer to Juventus. But after weeks of negotiations, Juventus failed to meet Nice’s demands, leading Todibo to lose patience and allowing West Ham to step in.
West Ham are now poised to secure Todibo on an initial loan deal with an option to buy for around £34 million (€40 million). As part of the agreement, Nice also secured a sell-on clause for any future profit.
West Ham had feared missing out on Todibo when he made it clear he wanted to play in the Champions League. However, the defender has remained a top priority for manager Julen Lopetegui, Steidten, club chairman David Sullivan, and sporting director Mark Noble throughout the summer. They continued to work behind the scenes to convince him to join, as his preferred move to Juventus stalled.
Steidten traveled to France to finalize the deal on Thursday, and Todibo reportedly accompanied him back to London to complete his medical after personal terms were agreed upon.
West Ham have been aggressive in the transfer market this summer, already signing Wolves captain Max Kilman, 18-year-old Brazilian prospect Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras, free agent goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville, Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug, and World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing with Manchester United over a potential move for right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford.
Wan-Bissaka is reportedly seeking a payout from United, as he would miss out on a loyalty bonus by leaving before his contract ends. Despite being a key figure in Erik ten Hag’s pre-season plans, United are still open to a transfer, with no agreement reached on a contract extension.
Although there were initial doubts about Wan-Bissaka’s willingness to move to West Ham, personal terms are not expected to be an issue if the two clubs can agree on a fee. West Ham have already had one bid rejected but are close to meeting United’s valuation, believed to be around £15 million.
