RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesAtalanta want Todibo but his West Ham salary is a problem
West Ham United defender Jean-Clair Todibo is a target for Atalanta, according to Gianluca DiMarzio .
They are eyeing a move for the Hammers centre-half, but his salary might be a stumbling block. He is reportedly on big wages, enough to deter the Italians.
West Ham are not especially pushing to sell Todibo despite his inconsistent displays since joining the club two years ago.
However, he may feel he should be plying his trade in one of the top five leagues, not the Championship.
The France international might be forced to take a pay-cut if he wants to leave the East London outfit.
It appears he has suitors in Serie A, where Napoli and Atalanta have him on their summer transfer shortlist.
West Ham are in the process of signing Joel Veltman, who reportedly had his medical yesterday.
While he is a full-back, he can also fill in at centre-half. He is as experienced as they come.
His arrival would allow West Ham to part ways with Todibo, whose massive wages will likely also be a burden on the club’s finances.
Todibo’s departure should have been one of West Ham’s top priorities from the moment relegation was confirmed.
The 26-year-old has never justified the investment or the wages.
He produced too many poor performances and failed to establish himself as the commanding presence the Hammers expected.
Championship promotion campaigns are built on reliable defenders, not expensive underperformers carrying Premier League salaries.
Moving him on would free up significant room in the wage bill and create space for a younger, more dominant centre-back capable of leading the back line.
West Ham should have been more active in the summer transfer window, considering they lost key players like Crysencio Summerville, Mateus Fernandes, and Axel Disasi.
The Championship starts next week, and they look ill-prepared to stage a return to the top flight.
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