West Ham have completed the signing of Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice.
The Hammers hijacked the deal when it looked like the defender was heading to Juventus instead.
France have handed the defender two caps so far and the 24-year-old will join the Premier League side for a fee worth €40million should West Ham decide to make the loan move permanent.
Speaking for the first time as a Hammer, 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.
The south of France to east London ✈️
Jean-Clair Todibo is a Hammer ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/EgbZvNoqfU
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 10, 2024
“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.”
Sporting director Tim Steidten flew out to France to wrap up the deal and is excited the thought of Todibo playing in East London.
He added: “This is another significant signing for the Football Club and shows the attraction of West Ham for top players in Europe.
“It’s no secret that Jean-Clair is a player we’ve been tracking for some time, so we’re delighted to have got this signing over the line ahead of the start of the new season.
“He’s got proven pedigree in European football, especially in France, where he has shone in recent years, showing all of his qualities as one of the finest ball-playing centre-halves in Ligue 1.
“There was huge interest from across Europe for his signature this summer, and we’re once again indebted to the Board for backing us to bring in a player who is approaching the peak years of his career.
“I’m sure the West Ham fans are excited about Jean-Clair’s arrival, and we can’t wait to see him playing in a West Ham shirt.”
