---
title: "West Ham defender emerges as option for Champions League club"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/07/29/west-ham-defender-emerges-as-option-for-champions-league-club/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-07-29T14:45:00Z"
modified: "2026-07-29T14:45:00Z"
---

# West Ham defender emerges as option for Champions League club

**A West Ham exit for Jean-Clair Todibo might finally be possible after Napoli showed interest in the French defender.**

Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Napoli are assessing Todibo alongside Federico Gatti, Benoît Badiashile and Tiago Gabriel. The Italian champions want another defender following Alessandro Buongiorno’s knee injury.

> 🚨[#WestHam](https://x.com/hashtag/WestHam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Marseille are negotiating with West Ham for Jean‑Clair Todibo, ready to offer a deal until 2031.\
> \
> 📌 After relegation, Todibo is seen as a Napoli alternative.\
> \
> ❌ He does not want to play in the Championship.\
> \
> 👀 AS Roma and Juventus remain interested, both… [https://t.co/6lyrMwCKUv](https://t.co/6lyrMwCKUv) [pic.twitter.com/s6uuShQ6p8](https://t.co/s6uuShQ6p8)
>
> — Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) [July 29, 2026](https://x.com/Ekremkonur/status/2082458624195256369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Jean-Clair Todibo Napoli transfer under consideration

Buongiorno requires surgery and is expected to spend an extended period on the sidelines. Napoli are exploring several possible replacements but must first complete departures to create room in their squad.

Todibo has now emerged as another option. However, Napoli appear to be considering several profiles and have not yet selected the Frenchman as their leading target.

The 26-year-old remains under contract with West Ham until 2029. He has made 54 appearances for the club since initially joining from Nice on loan before completing a permanent transfer.

A departure would help West Ham reduce their wage bill following relegation to the Championship. [ReadWestHam reported on Wednesday that the club will look to move Todibo on](https://readwestham.com/2026/07/29/three-west-ham-transfer-situations-nuno-must-resolve-before-burnley/), although a loan may become necessary if no suitable permanent proposal arrives.

West Ham must decide how far they are prepared to lower their demands. Todibo’s contract provides protection, but his wages and the prospect of Championship football could reduce the number of realistic buyers.

Napoli would offer Todibo a return to a leading European league and Champions League football. The Italian club must still determine whether to pursue him or prioritise one of the other defenders under consideration.

For now, the Jean-Clair Todibo Napoli transfer remains at the interest stage. West Ham have been handed a possible route towards resolving his future, but they are still waiting for Napoli to make a concrete move.