West Ham flop Jean-Clair Todibo is closing in on a departure from the club he never truly wanted to join – and looks set to sign for the one he had his heart set on.
When Tim Steidten jumped on a private jet to fly to Nice and persuade Jean-Clair Todibo to join West Ham, it was seen as one of the transfer coups of that summer.
After all Manchester United had been blocked from signing French centre-back Todibo by UEFA given INEOS’ involvement in Nice and the Red Devils.
But particularly as Todibo looked dead set on a move to Italian giants Juventus.
West Ham flop Todibo to finally get move he really wanted
Juventus had even trolled West Ham on social media about beating them to Todibo, believing a deal was all but done.
However, Steidten proved persuasive and returned to London with Todibo aboard as the former Barcelona man was hailed the jewel in the crown of a busy summer.
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What has transpired since has been so typical of West Ham and much of their transfer business under the previous regime.
The fact Todibo had to be persuaded to join should have been a big red flag for a club and fanbase that prides itself on players who are proud and hungry to don the famous claret and blue.
Most of the time he has looked more Championship than Champions League.
Todibo has fallen out with all three of his managers at West Ham and had a physical altercation with Julen Lopetegui, as the Spaniard later admitted.
After initially looking much improved under Nuno Espirito Santo, he fell out with him too towards the end of last season after playing a big role in the defeat at Newcastle which essentially sent West Ham down.
Todibo refused to play in the last game of the season against Leeds after being substituted just 25 minutes in following some lazy and laughable defending at St James’ Park.
Juve back in for wantaway Todibo
The Frenchman allegedly told Nuno he would never play for him again.
Todibo doubled down by telling West Ham he wants out ASAP upon his return to pre-season training.
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Now the £35m West Ham flop looks set to finally get the move he wanted all along.
Hammers News understands three Serie A sides want Todibo, those being Juventus, Roma and AC Milan.
But it is Juve who are most serious about signing the Hammers outcast, who has not featured in the club’s pre-season games thus far despite being pictured in full training.
Sources have told Hammers News that Todibo wants West Ham to accept Juve’s proposal, which is an initial loan with an option to buy.
West Ham are pushing for the clause to be an obligation to buy based on certain factors being satisfied, much like the deal that brought him to east London in the first place.
Hammers fans won’t shed any tears when Todibo does leave and given what has gone on, neither will Nuno.
Besides his poor performances on the pitch, Todibo was also rarely able to last 90 minutes, as he struggled with fitness throughout his time at the London Stadium.
While a permanent deal would obviously be West Ham’s preference, getting Todibo out of Rush Green and off the wage bill would be seen as a win inside the club.
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