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West Ham’s Bold Moves for Top French Defender: Will Their €35 Million Offer Be Enough?

Lens, France. 16th Mar, 2024. Jean-Clair TODIBO of Nice and Elye WAHI of Lens during the French championship Ligue 1 football match between RC Lens and OGC Nice on March 16, 2024 at Bollaert-Delelis stadium in Lens, France - Photo Matthieu Mirville/DPPI Credit: DPPI Media/Alamy Live News
© Alamy / DPPI Media

West Ham United is making significant efforts to secure the services of Jean-Clair Todibo, a highly regarded centre-back from OGC Nice. According to a tweet by football journalist Santi Aouna, the Hammers initially offered Nayef Aguerd along with a sum of money to acquire Todibo. This proposal was turned down by Nice, leading West Ham to make a direct offer of €35 million for the French defender.

  • West Ham initially offered Nayef Aguerd plus cash for Todibo.
  • OGC Nice rejected the initial offer.
  • West Ham then proposed a direct €35 million offer for Todibo.

West Ham’s Strategic Moves in the Transfer Market

West Ham’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements continues as they express interest in OGC Nice’s centre-back, Jean-Clair Todibo. According to a tweet from transfer expert Santi Aouna, the Hammers initially offered Nayef Aguerd plus cash to acquire Todibo, but this proposal was rejected by Nice. Consequently, West Ham made a direct offer of €35 million for the French defender.


Both Todibo and Aguerd bring substantial experience and skills to their respective teams. Todibo, at 24, has demonstrated his versatility and growth over the years, making him a valuable asset for any club looking to strengthen its defense. His career statistics include 125 Ligue 1 appearances with 3 goals and 10,808 minutes played, showcasing his consistency and reliability.

Player Profiles: Jean-Clair Todibo and Nayef Aguerd

Jean-Clair Todibo

Jean-Clair Todibo, born on December 30, 1999, in Cayenne, French Guiana, is a 24-year-old centre-back currently playing for OGC Nice. Standing at 1.90 meters, Todibo has been a key player for Nice since joining the club on July 1, 2021. His contract with Nice runs until June 30, 2027, and he has earned 2 international caps for France.

Career Statistics:

  • Ligue 1: 125 appearances, 3 goals, 10,808 minutes
  • Conference League: 9 appearances, 835 minutes
  • Bundesliga: 8 appearances, 359 minutes
  • UEFA Champions League: 1 appearance, 90 minutes

Transfer History:

  • From Toulouse FC to FC Barcelona: January 31, 2019, for €1 million
  • From FC Barcelona to OGC Nice: July 1, 2021, for €8.5 million plus €7 million in variables

Nayef Aguerd

Nayef Aguerd, born on March 30, 1996, in Kénitra, Morocco, is a 28-year-old centre-back currently playing for West Ham United. Standing at 1.90 meters, Aguerd joined West Ham on July 1, 2022, and his contract runs until June 30, 2027. He has earned 47 international caps for Morocco, scoring 1 goal.

Career Statistics:

  • Ligue 1: 91 appearances, 4 goals, 7,984 minutes
  • Premier League: 39 appearances, 3 goals, 3,453 minutes
  • Conference League: 15 appearances, 1,336 minutes
  • CAF Confederation Cup: 12 appearances, 1,080 minutes

Transfer History:

  • From FUS Rabat to Dijon FCO: June 17, 2018, for €1.6 million
  • From Dijon FCO to Stade Rennais: August 14, 2020, for €4 million
  • From Stade Rennais to West Ham United: July 1, 2022, for €35 million

Analysis and Implications

The ongoing negotiations between West Ham and OGC Nice for Jean-Clair Todibo illustrate the dynamic and competitive nature of the transfer market. Both Todibo and Aguerd are highly valued for their defensive capabilities and bring unique strengths to their teams. Todibo’s youth and potential for growth contrast with Aguerd’s experience and international exposure, making each player a strategic asset.

West Ham’s pursuit of Todibo underscores their intent to fortify their defensive lineup, a critical component for success in the Premier League. On the other hand, Nice’s rejection of the initial offer highlights Todibo’s importance to their squad and their reluctance to part with such a promising talent.

For more detailed information, you can visit the player profiles on Transfermarkt:

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