'Deal done' - West Ham complete Man Utd and Newcastle United £35m transfer hijack
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The Hammers have confirmed another marquee signing this weekend.
West Ham have confirmed another major summer transfer coup in the signing of defender Jean-Clair Todibo from OGC Nice, beating Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea to the highly sought-after 24-year-old.
It's been an impressive window of activity so far at the London Stadium as Julen Lopetegui prepares for his debut campaign in charge of the club. Rejuvenating an ageing defence had always been a priority and now looks close to completion - Max Kilman had already arrived from Wolves for £40 million and a deal for Manchester United man Aaron Wan-Bissaka reportedly nearing completion.
West Ham's interest in Todibo has been touted throughout the summer but the Hammers appeared to be behind the Red Devils and the Blues. However, the transfer debacle has taken a turn in recent days and West Ham confirmed the signing of Todibo on Saturday.
The player arrives at the London Stadium on an initial season-long loan deal with an option to make the signing permanent in 12 months time for a reported £34 million. Todibo made 30 appearances in Ligue 1 last season.
Speaking about the defender a year ago, former Arsenal man and experienced Premier League star Aaron Ramsey said of his former Nice teammate: “Jean-Clair is a very interesting character; he’s very confident and he’s a great guy around the dressing room and he’s a very, very talented player, who can go all the way to the top. For him, it is important to keep his feet on the ground, strive for more, and take in as much information as possible."
Manchester United were widely reported to be keen on signing Todibo with Juventus also considered frontrunners. A move to Old Trafford was made complicated by UEFA multi-club rules while GIVEMESPORT also claimed that Newcastle United had opened talks with the player this summer.
Speaking having signed for West Ham, Todibo said: “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.
“This is an amazing opportunity for me, at a Club with huge ambition, who want to really make progress under the new Head Coach. 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.”