West Ham complete hijack of Man Utd's dream transfer

Tom Weber

Updated: 9 Aug 2024 09:26 BST
3 min read

West Ham have successfully hijacked Juventus move for Jean-Clair Todibo, according to Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein.

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The transfer saga surrounding the French centre-back has been crazy this summer. Initially, he looked set to move from Nice to INEOS sister club Man Utd, but UEFA did not allow for the move to go through.

Due to Man Utd and Nice both playing in the Europa League next season, they are not allowed to do business with each other, which eventually led to the Red Devils shifting their focus to Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.

However, Todibo remained keen on leaving Nice and Juventus eventually emerged as his most serious suitors. West Ham were lurking in the background, but the centre-back was prioritising a move to the Bianconeri.

This transfer, it seems, will not materialise, though.

West Ham hijack transfer

Over the past 24 hours, West Ham have moved into pole position for Todibo, with both Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein reporting that they are set to land the 24-year-old.

West Ham will initially loan Todibo but the deal will include an obligation to buy him next summer for €40 million. Todibo is set to arrive in London imminently for his medical after agreeing to the move overnight.

Nice will retain a sell-on percentage, while Todibo is expected to sign a long-term contract. He will become the second major centre-back signing made by West Ham this summer after the Hammers signed Wolves captain Max Kilman for a whopping €47.5m.

Julien Lopetegui and sporting director Tim Steidten have been incredibly ambitious in the market this summer in a bid to improve upon last season's disappointing campaign. Luis Guilherme, Niclas Fullkrug, Cryencio Summerville and Guido Rodriguez have also arrived, while talks over Aaron Wan-Bissaka remain ongoing.