West Ham United beat Juventus to the signing of Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice in the summer transfer window.
West Ham outmanoeuvred not only Juventus, but Tottenham and Newcastle as well in the race for the signature of Jean-Clair Todibo in the summer.
The Hammers earned plaudits far and wide for bringing the towering 24-year-old defender to the London Stadium.
Julen Lopetegui made nine signings in the summer, but there’s a real case to be made for Todibo being the most exciting new arrival.
However, it has since been claimed that Lopetegui believes that Todibo may well not be ready for Premier League football just yet.
We will all have to be patient with the France international.
However, there are certain media outlets out in Italy who clearly still feel bitter about the fact we beat Juventus to the signing of the 24-year-old.
Talk about sour grapes!
Juventus potshots fired at West Ham regarding Jean-Clair Todibo
It was a huge shock to the footballing world in the summer when West Ham hijacked Juve’s proposed move to sign Todibo.
The Hammers were just as surprised as everyone else.
It was a real pinch yourself moment. Had we really just signed one of the very best up and coming centre-backs in world football? Yes, yes we had.
Juventus were stunned, understandably so.
And it seems as though one local Turin newspaper still hasn’t got over the fact that West Ham won the race for the 24-year-old centre-back.
IlBianconero ran a report today, highlighting how poorly things are going for Todibo at West Ham right now.
They suggest that he’s been incredibly disappointing so far, and made it very clear that he has warmed the bench in every single Premier League game for us this season.
They then go on to suggest that Pierre Kalulu could end up being a better signing than Todibo ever would have been.
Now that really is bitterness in the extreme if you ask me!
Brilliant Todibo will come good for West Ham
The 24-year-old is an elite central defender in every aspect.
The 6ft 3in Hammer is extremely strong in the air, quick along the ground and is an exceptional man-marker.
He’s pretty good with the ball at his feet as well.
Once Jean-Clair Todibo is fully fit and up to speed with the pace of Premier League football, he will quickly establish himself as a vital player for West Ham.
In fact, I think the former Nice star will be pivotal to Lopetegui’s hopes of imprinting his footballing philosophy on his team.
It may take some time, but Todibo will come good for West Ham, there’s no doubt in my mind about that.
We all just need to be patient, and give the Frenchman the time he needs to settle into life at the London Stadium.
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