West Ham United has strengthened their defense by acquiring French center-back Jean-Clair Todibo from Ligue 1 side Nice on an initial season-long loan. The Premier League club announced the signing on Saturday, adding that they have an option to make the transfer permanent in the summer of 2025. Although the financial details of the deal were not disclosed by either side, British media reports suggest that the buy option is valued at approximately 40 million euros (43.66 million USD).
The 24-year-old Todibo, who has represented France on two occasions, began his professional career at Toulouse before joining Barcelona in 2019. He subsequently moved to Nice in 2021, where he has made 136 appearances. Todibo, who was previously linked with a move to Juventus, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to play for West Ham.
“This is an amazing opportunity for me, at a club with huge ambition, who want to really make progress under the new head coach,” said Todibo. “It feels like the right time to be coming to West Ham, in the heart of London, with an amazing, passionate fan-base. I’m so excited to pull on the West Ham shirt, and play at the London Stadium in the Premier League,” he added.
West Ham, who finished ninth in the Premier League last season, will begin their new campaign at home against Aston Villa on August 17 under the management of Julen Lopetegui. The addition of Todibo is expected to provide a significant boost to West Ham’s defensive capabilities as they aim for a strong season.
