West Ham United’s £25m offer for Nice defender Jean-Claire Todibo has been rejected, but the Hammers are undecided whether or not to go in for another bid. 

The French defender would be an excellent signing for Julen Lopetegui. He has been very highly rated for years and has had a great few years in the South of France since signing from Barcelona in 2021.

There aren’t many defenders in European football that combine ability in defence and possession as well as Todibo. In possession, he is as comfortable as any defender, standing out with his ability to ball-carry and pass, to beat the press, which is key for a Lopetegui side.

Over the past year, Todibo has averaged 84 passes per 90 in Ligue 1, putting him in the top 4% of defenders in Europe’s top 5 leagues. He is also in the top 4% when it comes to successful take-ons by central defenders in Europe. He is also very highly ranked when it comes to progressive passes, progressive carries, and assists.

Jean-Claire Todibo has also been heavily linked to Manchester United this summer and over the past few transfer windows. However, ten Hag looks set to prioritise a move for Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt this summer. Putting the Hammers in pole position to sign Todibo if they were to up their offer.

West Ham are keen to add a marquee defender to their ranks this season, as Nayef Aguerd looks set to depart the club. The club has also had a similar offer Max Kilman rejected by Wolves, but are expected to go in with an improved offer this week. The Hammers will likely make a second offer for Todibo if they are unable to tempt Wolves into accepting an offer for their captain.