West Ham Announces Signing Of Jean-Clair Todibo From OGC Nice

West Ham United have completed the signing of Jean-Clair Todibo from OGC Nice on loan with an option to buy.

The Hammers have the option to make the move permanent next summer if he proves a success in East London.

Todibo, a 24-year-old center-back who was born in French Guiana, has two international caps and made four appearances for Barcelona between 2019 and 2021.

“I’m excited to be signing for West Ham. It’s a dream come true to play in the Premier League, the best league in the world,” he said.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me at a club with huge ambition who want to make progress under the new head coach (Julen Lopetegui).”

OGC Nice initially agreed to allow Todibo to join West Ham back in July; however, the defender was holding out for a move to Juventus.

When it became clear earlier this week that Bianconeri not be able to make a viable offer, West Ham re-entered negotiations, with technical director Tim Steidten at the negotiations front.

West Ham sporting director Tim Steidten with new signing Jean-Clair Todibo

Ultimately, Todibo approved the transfer to East London.

Todibo is West Ham’s seventh signing of the summer following the recruitment of Max Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug, Guido Rodriguez, Crysencio Summerville, Luis Guilherme, and Wes Foderingham.

Sporting director Tim Steidten said, “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.”

Todibo will take the number 25 shirt for West Ham.