West Ham are now reportedly close to hijacking a move for a player Aston Villa previously wanted this summer.
It’s been a thrilling summer transfer window for Aston Villa, who have completed most of their business early.
Unai Emery is preparing Villa for a return to the Champions League, where they’ll need a big squad of players to compete, particularly in defence.
The Villans encountered struggles defensively last term, as they conceded 61 goals in the top flight, which was more than relegation-threatened Everton.
Reports have linked Aston Villa with a move for Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, while Fulham are stepping up their interest in signing Diego Carlos.
Selling the Brazilian would signal the need to find a replacement, perhaps Gomez, although one of their previous targets can now be crossed off the list.
West Ham complete ‘hijack’ for Villa target Jean-Clair Todibo
As reported in June, Villa had joined the race to sign highly-rated centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo from Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, alongside European giants Man United, Atletico Madrid and Napoli.
Whilst the report by L’Equipe claimed that interested clubs could sign him for as low as £21 million, the Villans haven’t moved forward in negotiations, whereas West Ham have.
The Hammers were in an intense battle to land the Frenchman along with Italian giants Juventus and there were initial concerns that Todibo had his heart set on Italy instead.
However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has rubbished those claims by revealing that the London club have completed a ‘hijack’ for the 24-year-old, in an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy for €40 million (£34 million).
Todibo, his agent and West Ham director Tim Steidten are flying to London right now as they look to finalise a deal for the ‘complete’ talent, who Villa should have tried harder to sign.
Villa could regret not signing Jean-Clair Todibo
West Ham’s ambition in this transfer window has been admirable, luring Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme and Guido Rodriguez to the London Stadium.
Considering Julen Lopetegui’s side don’t have European football as a pulling factor, their ability to attract star talent has been fantastic.
That said, Villa should have used their position as a Champions League club to pursue a move for Todibo, who would have significantly improved their defence.
Across Europe’s top five leagues in the past year, Todibo ranks in the top 17% for tackles, the top 15% for progressive passes and the top 4% for passes attempted, as per FBref.
He’s a progressive, ball-playing defender, who is a physically imposing presence at the back and capable of winning aerial duels at his height of 6 ft 3.
With Tyrone Mings recovering from an ACL injury, Clement Lenglet departing and Carlos wanted by numerous clubs, Emery should be targeting a centre-back and not signing Todibo looks like a missed opportunity.
