West Ham sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo: Decoding his stats
West Ham United's busy summer transfer window continues as the Hammers have roped in French defender Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice. The 24-year-old joins the Hammers from Ligue 1 club OGC Nice on an initial season-long loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent in summer 2025 (€40m). Juventus were interested in Todibo as discussions continued before West Ham hijacked the move. Here's more.
Why does this story matter?
Todibo is a highly rated defender and Nice have included a sell-on clause alongside the sum of €40m. Manchester United were interested in the player but a move wasn't possible as INEOS own Nice and also have a minority stake at the Premier League club. West Ham technical director Tim Steidten played a key role in getting the player.
Obligation to buy will be triggered in 2025
As per Fabrizio Romano, his contract at West Ham will be valid for the next five years after the obligation to buy will be triggered in 2025. As mentioned above, West Ham will shell out €40m for his services.
Todibo played for several clubs at the start
Todibo started his career at French club Toulouse, making 10 appearances and scoring once in 2018-19. He moved to FC Barcelona and made two appearances in 2018-19 before playing three matches in 2019-20. He was loaned to German club Schalke as he made 10 appearances. He was loaned to Benfica in 2020-21 (2 appearances) before Nice took him on loan (17 appearances, 1 goal).
136 appearances for Nice
Nice signed the player on a permanent move in the summer of 2021. He made 40 appearances in all competitions in his full season, scoring once. In 2022-23, the player made his presence felt with 46 appearances, including 36 games in Ligue 1. In the 2023-24 season, he clocked 33 appearances across competitions. Altogether, he made 136 appearances for Nice, scoring twice.
His Ligue 1 2023-24 season in stats
Todibo played 30 games in Ligue 1 2023-24 season. He made two assists. As per Squawka player comparison (data by Opta), Todibo created nine chances and owned a pass accuracy of 90.09%. He completed 16 take-ons besides winning 41 aerial duels and 90 ground duels. He made 92 clearances, 38 interceptions and had 18 touches in the opposition box. He kept 14 clean sheets.
