Defender secures deadline day loan switch
- by Staff Writer
- Tuesday, 1st September 2026
Central defender Jean -Clair Todibo has joined Ligue 1 side RC Lens on loan for the remainder of the current campaign.
The 27-year-old, who made just 20 starts for the Hammers following a £33million move from Nice in June last year returns to his home country for the duration of the 2026/27 season having made it abundantly clear he saw no future for himself in east London or the Championship.
Todibo's signing was unveiled by Lens, shortly before 5pm on transfer deadline day. "A reinforcement of experience in defence!" read a statement from the French club confirming the player's arrival.
"A safe bet in Ligue 1 and an international with two caps for the French team, Jean-Clair Todibo is back in France. Intense in the duels and with excellent passing quality, the defender signed with Racing on a loan without an option to buy from West Ham United FC."
Jean-Louis Leca, Racing Sporting Director added: "With Jean-Clair, it is a French international who strengthens our ranks. His arrival concretises our desire to recruit an experienced defender, used to the demands of the very highest level. A requirement that he has known in particular with the French team, Barcelona and the last two seasons in the Premier League.
"His qualities are no longer to be presented in Ligue 1. His ability to win duels, his reading of the game and his excellent passing quality seduced us. His sunny personality will be an asset to the dressing room. The interest was mutual and Jean-Clair was very determined to join us. Welcome to the power of Bollaert!"
KUMB understands that Todibo was keen to remain in the Premier League, but bar some passing interest from Aston Villa, no other top flight English team showed any interest in the player whatsoever.
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