West Ham United want to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo

HomeComment Fri 5 July 2024 19:10, UK

West Ham United boss Julen Lopetegui is eager to revamp his Hammers' defence before the start of the Premier League season.

The former Wolves manager has already begun that project as the Irons close in on the signing of Max Kilman with reports suggesting the 27-year-old is set to put pen to paper on his contract in East London [Fabrizio Romano, 5 July].

However, it doesn't seem as though the Spaniard is planning on stopping there, as it has been suggested that Lopetegui could look for another high-profile defensive addition in Jean-Clair Todibo [Evening Standard, 2 July].

The Nice defender has been linked with a move to West Ham's Premier League rivals Manchester United this summer, but a new update out of Old Trafford may have just given the Hammers a window of opportunity to get their man.

Will West Ham United sign Jean-Clair Todibo in the summer transfer window? According to ESPN journalist Rob Dawson on X (5 July), the Red Devils have agreed they won't sign a player from Nice until September 2025 after a new UEFA judgement emerged.

That means arguably the biggest competitor in the race for Todibo's signature is now no longer in the competition not only this summer but also in both of the transfer windows in 2025.

While it remains to be seen whether or not the Irons will return to the French club with a new bid after their initial proposal was rejected, the Hammers have the opportunity to get their man ahead of their competitors.

Hopefully, with this latest news, Tim Steidten and his recruitment team can begin drawing up a new and improved bid so that the French international quickly follows Kilman through the London Stadium exit door this summer.

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With those two additions, Lopetegui would have got his wish of a revamped backline and West Ham would have a defence capable of helping them climb up the Premier League under their new manager next season.

In other West Ham news, the Hammers have confirmed the exit of one international defender on loan from the London Stadium