Opinion: Steidten Can Secure West Ham-Linked International Transfer as Man United Withdraws

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui, formerly of Wolves, is determined to strengthen his team’s defense before the Premier League season kicks off. The club is close to securing the signing of 27-year-old Max Kilman, with reports indicating he is set to sign a contract in East London soon [Fabrizio Romano, 5 July].

Lopetegui’s ambitions don’t stop there, as he is also eyeing another high-profile defensive addition, Jean-Clair Todibo [Evening Standard, 2 July]. The Nice defender has been linked with a move to Manchester United, but a recent development at Old Trafford might present West Ham with an opportunity. According to ESPN journalist Rob Dawson on X (5 July), Manchester United has agreed not to sign any players from Nice until September 2025, following a new UEFA ruling.

This decision removes a major competitor from the race for Todibo’s signature, not just for this summer but also for the 2025 transfer windows. Although West Ham’s initial bid for Todibo was rejected, this latest news might encourage them to make a new offer.

West Ham’s recruitment team, led by Tim Steidten, now has the chance to craft an improved bid for the French international, aiming to secure his transfer following Kilman’s. Should these deals go through, Lopetegui would achieve his goal of revamping West Ham’s defense, potentially enabling the Hammers to climb the Premier League standings under his leadership next season.