Reports had suggested Torino only had eyes for Juventus, but the Serie A giants have been beaten to the punch by West Ham after director Tim Steidten agreed to include a sell-on clause in the deal for the centre-back.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano took to X to confirm the ‘crazy saga’ is over.
He wrote: ‘Jean-Clair Todibo to West Ham, here we go! Exclusive scoop confirmed as hijack is completed. Understand Todibo, his agent and West Ham director Tim Steidten are flying to London right now! €40m on loan + obligation, sell-on clause included. Medical booked today.
‘Jean-Clair Todibo accepted West Ham proposal during the night and he will now land in London before lunch time. Tim Steidten offered easy obligation to buy clause (€40m almost guaranteed) and sell-on clause (key for Nice) to beat Juventus proposal. Crazy saga, over.’
Todibo's Journey to West Ham
However, Todibo’s journey to West Ham was not without its twists and turns. Reports suggested he was waiting for Juventus to make a move. Juventus remained interested for a while but failed to reach an agreement with Nice.
Juventus' Interest in Todibo
Juventus’ interest in Todibo stemmed from their need for a new defender to bolster their squad. The Bianconeri had been targeting the 24-year-old for a number of weeks, and reports suggested a loan deal with an obligation to buy clause worth around €35m was being drawn up.
However, the club’s failure to reach an agreement with Nice ultimately cost them the transfer.
Juventus’ delay in sealing the deal likely played a role in Todibo’s decision to move to West Ham. While the Turin club was waiting to pull the trigger on a move, West Ham offered a better deal to Nice.
UEFA's Influence on Todibo's Transfer
UEFA’s rules regarding player transfers and club ownership have also played a significant role in Todibo’s transfer saga.
Manchester United, which has a minority stake in Nice, was initially in the running for Todibo but was ultimately prevented from signing the defender due to UEFA regulations.
The two clubs agreed not to transfer players between each other to ensure they can both play in the same UEFA competition.
West Ham's Summer Transfer Window
The club has already signed Crysencio Summerville from Leeds, Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund, Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras, Max Kilman from Wolves, and Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer.
The signing of Todibo adds another valuable piece to West Ham’s squad and strengthens their defensive options ahead of the new season.
Todibo's Potential at West Ham
Todibo's arrival could prove to be a pivotal moment in West Ham’s recent history.
The 24-year-old defender has a bright future ahead of him and has the potential to become a key player for the Hammers.
His presence in the defense could provide West Ham with the solidity they need to challenge for trophies in the coming years.
A New Chapter for Todibo
The transfer to West Ham marks a new chapter in Todibo’s career.
While he may have been hoping to join a club like Juventus, West Ham represents an exciting opportunity for the young defender.
The Hammers are a club on the rise and have the potential to challenge for trophies in the coming seasons. Todibo’s arrival could be the catalyst that propels West Ham to even greater heights.
The arrival of Todibo will undoubtedly be a key talking point for West Ham fans and the footballing community as a whole.
The defender's move to the London Stadium represents a significant coup for the Hammers and a sign of their ambition for the future. It remains to be seen how Todibo will perform in the Premier League, but the early signs are promising.
The 24-year-old has the potential to become a star player for West Ham and help the club achieve great things.
Todibo's Future at West Ham
The signing of Todibo is a significant investment for West Ham, and the club will be hoping that the defender can live up to the hype.
Todibo’s potential is undeniable, but it remains to be seen how he will adapt to the Premier League and the demanding style of play.
If he can perform well, he could become a key player for West Ham and a fan favorite at the London Stadium.
However, if he struggles to adapt, it could lead to questions about the wisdom of the signing.
Only time will tell how Todibo’s career at West Ham will unfold.
Regardless of the outcome, his arrival is a sign of West Ham’s ambition and desire to challenge for trophies in the coming years.
Todibo's transfer to West Ham represents a new era for the club, and it will be exciting to see how the defender performs in the Premier League.
