Recently, West Ham completed the signing of Nice centre back Jean-Clair Todibo. After that, the Hammers also signed £15 million Manchester United right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Considering the fact that West Ham conceded 74 goals in the Premier League last season, improving the defence was a big priority for West Ham in this transfer window.
Thus, new signings Todibo and Wan-Bissaka will be the starting players in Julen Lopetegui's lineup. Although West Ham were the only side submitting an offer for Wan-Bissaka, a lot of clubs were interested in Todibo this summer. Now, West Ham technical director Tim Steidten, who convinced Jean-Clair Todibo to join West Ham has revealed that there were a lot of clubs ready to sign Todibo alongside West Ham and Juventus.
"There was huge interest from across Europe for his signature this summer, and we’re once again indebted to the Board for backing us to bring in a player who is approaching the peak years of his career."Tim Steidten
West Ham technical director Tim Steidten explains why West Ham signed Todibo
Thus, one of the big reasons for West Ham signing Todibo was the fact that Todibo has been playing great in central defence for Nice since three seasons. Hence, at the age of 24, Todibo is a quality defender who is entering into his prime.
Also, like summer signing Max Kilman, Todibo is great at the ball and often contributes to the build up play from the defence. Speaking on this, Tim Steidten added,
"He’s got proven pedigree in European football, especially in France, where he has shone in recent years, showing all of his qualities as one of the finest ball-playing centre-halves in Ligue 1."Tim Steidten
Also, if Todibo performs great at West Ham he can join a big Premier League club after a few seasons at the London Stadium. Meanwhile, West Ham's new defence including summer signings Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will make their West Ham Premier League debut against Aston Villa this week.