West Ham United have seen their opening bid of €30 million (£25.4m, $32.3m) for Jean-Clair Todibo turned down by Ligue 1 club Nice.
The 24-year-old central defender has emerged as a top target for West Ham this summer, but their initial offer for Todibo was rejected earlier this week. Despite this setback, there remains optimism that a deal can still be struck for the Frenchman, as Nice are open to selling him during the current transfer window.
Manchester United had also considered signing Todibo but were deterred by UEFA’s recent guidance on multi-club ownership. The regulations, issued last month, restrict clubs under shared ownership from engaging in transfer dealings directly. Since Nice is owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS, and United and Nice are both awaiting a decision on participation in next season’s Europa League, this has prevented a move for Todibo.
Todibo’s career began at Barcelona, from where he joined Nice on loan in January 2021 before the move was made permanent in the summer of that year. He has since made 119 appearances for the French side, scoring once.
West Ham’s Defensive Overhaul
West Ham are actively seeking to strengthen their defense as they navigate an overhaul in their backline. The futures of current defenders Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd are uncertain, with Aguerd attracting interest from former club Rennes and West Ham open to offers for Zouma.
Angelo Ogbonna was released in June, leaving Zouma, Aguerd, and Konstantinos Mavropanos as the only established centre-backs at the club.
Previously, West Ham had a £25 million offer for Max Kilman rejected by Wolverhampton Wanderers. Kilman, a former player under West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui at Wolves, is valued at £45 million by the club.
Recent Transfers
This summer, West Ham have signed Brazilian teenage winger Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras and free agent goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.
