Jean-Clair Todibo set to join Lens after Marseille miss

Marseille have failed to secure Jean-Clair Todibo as they search for affordable reinforcements. The setback leaves the club still without a summer signing after several important players were sold to improve its finances. Todibo had been considered for a loan from West Ham following the English club’s relegation to the Championship.

Instead, the 26-year-old France international is expected to move to Lens. He was due to undergo his medical examination with the northern club on Sunday before completing a loan deal that would not include an option to buy. Todibo is also reported to have accepted a significant reduction in pay to make the transfer possible.

The move would give Lens a defender with extensive Ligue 1 experience, while Marseille lose a target who could have strengthened a squad being rebuilt on a restricted budget. Todibo began his career at Toulouse and previously played for Barcelona before establishing himself in France with Nice. He left the Ligue 1 club two years ago and has since earned two caps for France.

A return to the French top flight would bring Todibo back to a competition in which he has made 125 appearances. For Lens, the loan adds proven domestic experience without a permanent transfer commitment. For Marseille, it extends a quiet window in which departures have so far outnumbered arrivals.