Jean-Clair Todibo will now officially become a West Ham player as long as the club avoid relegation this season, according to ExWHUEmployee.
Two clauses were included in the obligation to buy the Frenchman from Nice and, speaking on the West Ham Way podcast (quotes via their website), Ex has confirmed that one of those conditions was met against Manchester United at the weekend:
“The only thing preventing Jean-Clair Todibo from being a permanent West Ham player is whether the club stay in the Premier League. Todibo joined the club on loan from Nice with an obligation to buy if certain criteria was matched. It was thought that all he had to do is feature in over 5 PL games for the club, which he achieved with his six appearances on Sunday.”
“Todibo replaced Mavropanos at halftime on Sunday and went on to have a very solid game. This will be positive news to West Ham fans who have been impressed with the French international’s start at the club.”
How much will the defender cost West Ham?
The Hammers have already paid a €5m (£4.2m) loan fee for the 24-year-old but, if he does complete his permanent move to the London Stadium next year, he will cost an additional €35m (£29.1m), taking the total cost to €40m (£33m).
It’s fair to say that Todibo has had an inconsistent start to life in the Premier League but it looks as though fans will be seeing him in a West Ham shirt next season no matter how he performs for the rest of the campaign.
Another loanee’s future is less certain
Carlos Soler is another player who is on loan with the Irons. However, the Spaniard was substituted at half-time on his full league debut at the weekend.
There are conflicting reports on whether there is an option to buy the midfielder from Paris Saint-Germain but, unlike Todibo, West Ham can send him back to his parent club if they wish next year.
Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here