West Ham United could be heading towards a major change in their Jean-Clair Todibo transfer stance after Marseille reached an agreement with the defender and opened negotiations over a loan move.
L’Équipe reports that Marseille have agreed terms with Todibo and are now attempting to complete a deal with West Ham.
The proposed agreement would be a loan, with discussions taking place over how the two clubs would divide the France international’s salary.
That represents significant progression in a transfer saga which has dragged through the summer.
West Ham could compromise over Jean-Clair Todibo exit
West Ham had previously been reluctant to sanction a straightforward temporary departure.
ReadWestHam reported in July that the Hammers were holding out for a permanent Todibo exit after investing around £35million to bring the centre-back permanently from Nice.
The latest report suggests that stance may now be softening.
Todibo remains under contract until 2029 but was left out of Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad for the 2-2 Championship draw at Burnley. L’Équipe reports that Marseille are optimistic about completing a deal, although their financial position means departures are required before new arrivals can be registered.
A loan would not give West Ham the immediate transfer fee they initially wanted, but it could remove a player who no longer appears part of Nuno’s plans while reducing the club’s wage commitment.
Todibo might not be the only senior player leaving east London.
West Ham are also reportedly close to allowing Edson Álvarez to join Real Sociedad on loan as the club continue reshaping Nuno’s squad following relegation.
The structure of any Todibo agreement will therefore be important.
West Ham previously wanted to recover a substantial part of their investment. A loan without meaningful purchase terms could simply postpone the same problem until next summer.
For now, however, Marseille have cleared the first major hurdle by reaching an agreement with Todibo.
West Ham must now decide how far they are prepared to compromise to finally resolve his future.
