West Ham seal £32.8m signing with contract terms revealed their first signing of the summer
West Ham United have solidified their defensive ranks by completing the permanent signing of Jean-Clair Todibo from OGC Nice for €39 million (£32.8m) on a five-year contract, as confirmed by talkSPORT. The 25-year-old French international, who spent the 2024/25 season on loan with the Hammers, has officially made the London Stadium his home, marking an exciting step forward for both the player and the club.
Todibo’s journey to this permanent move began last August when West Ham secured his services on a season-long loan from Nice, with an obligation to buy included in the deal. The transfer fee, now finalized, reflects the club’s confidence in the center-back’s ability to anchor their backline for years to come. The five-year contract underscores West Ham’s long-term vision, with Todibo expected to play a pivotal role under manager Julen Lopetegui.
During his loan spell, Todibo featured in 27 Premier League matches, starting 21 of them. His presence brought composure and physicality to West Ham’s defense, earning him admiration from fans and teammates alike. Despite a calf injury sidelining him for five matches between January and February, Todibo’s resilience shone through. His performances, blending tactical awareness with athletic prowess, made him a standout in a season where West Ham aimed to solidify their standing in the Premier League.
The confirmation of Todibo’s permanent transfer comes as no surprise to those who followed his social media activity at the season’s close. After West Ham’s 3-1 victory over Ipswich Town in their final game, Todibo took to social media, hinting at his commitment to the club. “Ending the season with a win always feels good,” he wrote. “It might not be the position I was hoping for in my first year here, but we’ll come back even stronger next season.” His words sparked optimism among supporters, who saw them as a subtle pledge to continue his journey in claret and blue.
Todibo’s arrival at West Ham last summer marked a significant coup for the club, given his pedigree. A product of Toulouse’s youth academy, he rose to prominence at Nice, where his performances earned him two caps for the French national team. His versatility, capable of playing as a center-back or in a defensive midfield role, adds depth to West Ham’s squad. At 6’3”, Todibo combines aerial dominance with ball-playing ability, fitting seamlessly into Lopetegui’s system, which emphasizes building from the back.
For West Ham, securing Todibo permanently is a statement of intent. The club has struggled with defensive consistency in recent seasons, and the 25-year-old’s signing addresses a key area of need. With a blend of youth and experience, Todibo is poised to form a formidable partnership with existing defenders like Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos. As West Ham aim for European qualification and domestic progress, Todibo’s presence will be crucial.
Fans can look forward to seeing the Frenchman’s continued development in the Premier League. His commitment, evident in his performances and post-season comments, signals a bright future. Todibo is no longer just a loanee—he’s a Hammer through and through, ready to leave his mark on East London.
