Lens land Jean-Clair Todibo on a season-long loan

The RC Lens have made a major defensive move: Jean-Clair Todibo arrives on a season-long loan from West Ham, without a purchase option. L’Équipe reports that the French centre-back—an international—will link up with Sang et Or as they look to compete at the highest level.

A centre-back for the UCL

Lens had been working for weeks to strengthen the heart of their defence after the departure of Malang Sarr, who moved for free to Neom in Saudi Arabia. In that search, the club had also shown interest in El Chadaille Bitshiabu (RB Leipzig), but the deal collapsed over a lack of agreement with the German side.

As L’Équipe explains, after those negotiations failed, Lens’ sporting leadership—headed by Jean-Louis Leca—turned their attention to Todibo. The paper also notes that RMC had already flagged the situation, before confirming it themselves.

Todibo left Nice for West Ham two seasons ago, first on loan and then for €40m after a permanent move. The article adds that Marseille were also in the mix, but the OM transfer situation stalled and Lens ultimately got the deal done.

Reduced his wages to make it happen

The report further states that Todibo agreed to take a wage cut to join Lens, where he will be available for the Champions League. With this addition, Lens bolster their back line for a demanding campaign and strengthen their European plans.