Jean-Clair Todibo was linked with several elite-level clubs this summer. Manchester United reportedly wanted the Nice defender but were prevented from making a move due to INEOS’s ownership of both clubs. Juventus then looked to be leading the pursuit of Todibo. Ultimately, West Ham landed the 24-year-old.Todibo has made the switch to the London Stadium on an initial season-long loan that will become a permanent transfer for €40m next year. The Hammers have been busy in the transfer market this summer, but the capture of a player of Todibo’s stature is a real statement of intent. It could take West Ham to the next level.West Ham has enjoyed success in recent years. They won the Europa Conference League last year and threatened a top-four challenge in the Champions League in two seasons under David Moyes, finishing sixth in 2020/21 and seventh in 2021/22. This is a club with ambitions of establishing itself at the top end of English football. To do that, some difficult decisions were required. Declan Rice left for Arsenal last summer, but for a transfer fee of £105m that allowed West Ham to strength other areas of their team. Moyes left the club at the end of last season despite doing a lot to improve the Hammers, but there was a consensus that the Scot had taken them as far as he could.Julen Lopetegui is now in charge at the London Stadium and has been charged with pushing West Ham even higher up the table. “David Moyes has done very good work here,” said the former Real Madrid and Wolves boss, “but here we are. The fans want to win. We will win more if we play well with collective football. I love attacking football but I also love counter-attacking. We have to choose our way.”Premier League Outright OddsLopetegui has been backed in the transfer market. Crysencio Summerville has arrived from Leeds United after a sparkling season in the Championship. The wide attacker netted 20 goals and contributed nine assists in just 46 league games last term and will give West Ham another attacking dimension in a forward line that already boasts difference-makers such as Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Mohamed Kudus. That forward line also includes Niclas Fullkrug after the Germany international completed a move to West Ham from Borussia Dortmund. At 31, Fullkrug isn’t a long-term signing, but he is fresh from an impressive Euro 2024 campaign and a season in which he spearheaded Dortmund’s run to the Champions League final.The Hammers needed a new attacking focal point, and Fullkrug fits the bill, as does Guido Rodriguez as their new midfield destroyer. At 30, he too is another player who has been signed to make an immediate impact and the former Real Betis number six will give West Ham some extra steel in the centre of the pitch.
Todibo, however, is the standout addition. Technically and physically, the Frenchman has the qualities to reach the top of the game, and at €40m, he represents exceptional value in a market where Max Kilman cost West Ham a reported €47.5m. If Todibo fulfils his promise, the Hammers will have interest for double that fee before too long. West Ham are at a crossroads. They have undoubtedly made strides in recent seasons, but the greatest ambition was clearly needed for them to make the next jump. That ambition has been evident in the transfers made this summer, but can Lopetegui forge a winning team from the squad he has been given? Todibo’s arrival will certainly help him achieve that.West Ham vs Aston Villa Odds
