It’s obvious that Julen Lopetegui is a tremendously ambitious man with big intentions to elevate West Ham to the top of the world football hierarchy. But the Spaniard needs time to settle into his theories and footballing principles if we want to move back inside the top seven.
Obviously, some elite additions will also be helpful, and Lopetegui has had a respectable, if not outstanding, start to the summer transfer season.
It is reported that the 57-year-old is hoping to bring in at least six new players this summer, so there should be three more additions.
If he is to supervise some real growth at the club, he will need to sign five more players, in my opinion.
The head coach of Ham needs to bring in a striker, a left winger, a central midfielder, a full-back (or two?) and an additional center-back.
And the final spot on that list is where Aston Villa might cause us a lot of trouble this summer. A summer transfer window blow to Jean-Clair Todibo was struck by West Ham.
Aston Villa is reportedly considering an attempt to sabotage the Hammers’ signing of the Frenchman, according to a report from L’Equipe.
Both Juventus and West Ham are rumored to be quite interested in signing the 24-year-old center back.
Todibo is rumored to desire to sign with Juventus, but only the Hammers and Nice have worked out a deal for him. Nice would make more money from that specific trade, therefore it seems like they are trying to pressure the former Barcelona player to sign with West Ham.
Thus, that is undoubtedly good news for us. The bad news is that Villa has the financial means to entice Nice to sell, and more importantly, they may be able to offer the center back Champions League football.
For the Hammers, losing the towering defender to Villa would be a devastating blow.
Todibo was praised by Nice coach Francesco Farioli, who called him a “incredible” player (Goal).
The hero of Nice is a superb central defender who possesses remarkably successful for the Ligue 1 team since joining them three years ago from Barcelona. The 24-year-old has amazing strength in the air, remarkable speed for a large player, and excellent game reading.
Todibo is unquestionably prepared to move up to the Premier League from Ligue 1, where he ought to fit right in.
I am really concerned about the news that Aston Villa and West Ham are now vying for the signature of the France international during the summer transfer window.
It’s possible that the Hammers may be able to sign him before Juventus, but it will be very difficult to overtake Villa in the competition.