They say he who laughs last, laughs longest and that is certainly the case with West Ham and Jean-Clair Todibo.
West Ham’s signing of Jean-Clair Todibo has raised eyebrows across football.
Not just because he is one of the most highly-rated centre-backs in Europe, but the Hammers genuinely beat Juventus to his capture.
It must not be forgotten Todibo would be at Manchester United right now had UEFA not intervened.
Nice’s owners INEOS also co-own Man United. And they wanted to bring the 24-year-old to Old Trafford.
When that move was blocked due to strict multi-club ownership rules, West Ham sensed an opportunity and pounced, having a bid accepted by Nice weeks ago.
West Ham have last laugh in response to Juventus comment
The problem for the Hammers was that Italian giants Juventus told Todibo they wanted him too.
Todibo wanted to wait to see if Juve could match West Ham’s offer. And any hope of the Hammers signing the ex Barca man looked very remote.
So much so Juve got a touch arrogant towards the Irons lately.
On the same day West Ham signed Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug, Juve were reportedly closing in on Todibo in a loan with obligation to buy deal.
The likes of Fabrizio Romano and others were stating West Ham’s hopes of signing Todibo were dead.
But West Ham have had the last laugh in response to a cheeky Juventus comment about signing.
Juve’s cheeky jibe when they thought they’d won Todibo race
When the Hammers posted an announcement video for Fullkrug on social media, Juventus commented saying “Nice idea” alongside a winking emoji.
It was a clear dig from the Italians, who thought they were closing in on Todibo.
Their suggestion being ‘we’ll try that when we beat you to Todibo’.
Fast forward three days and my how the Hammers had the last laugh.
Cash-strapped Juve couldn’t match West Ham’s offer. And Nice rejected their loan with obligation bid as they felt it was unrealistic regarding Champions League qualification.
West Ham had not taken the bait from Juve when they made the initial comment.
But after sealing the signing of Todibo after his incredible U-turn, the club’s media team couldn’t resist.
Tagging Juventus in their response, West Ham have replied simply saying: “Thanks” also with a winking emoji.
West Ham fans have been absolutely lapping up the response.
Cool, calm and collected from the Hammers media team.
Not that it was necessarily needed. Because actions speak louder than words. And West Ham have been plenty active in this summer’s window with Todibo becoming the club’s seventh signing.
Elite all round from West Ham
West Ham will now hope to add Aaron Wan-Bissaka as their eighth capture of a brilliant summer.
And the east Londoners are not done there either.
Juve will now go away with their tails between their legs as they look to offload stars to raise funds for transfers.
When West Ham announced they had signed Todibo on loan with an “option” to buy, Juve may have thought they’d get a second chance at his signing next summer.
But it has now been confirmed that the clause to activate Todibo’s permanent West Ham move is “virtually an obligation” so easy is the parameter to trigger it.
Todibo is an elite level defender, is an elite level signing and this is an elite level response from the Hammers.
West Ham are now living rent free in the heads of one of Europe’s biggest clubs and Hammers supporters love to see it.
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