Todibo ready to cut salary to facilitate his return to Ligue 1 with Marseille

Jean-Clair Todibo is ready to make a salary sacrifice to facilitate his arrival at Olympique de Marseille, according to information from Foot Mercato. The 26-year-old central defender, under contract with West Ham, is OM’s top target to strengthen their defence before the summer transfer window closes.

Discussions between the two clubs are currently focused on how to split the player’s salary, with Marseille refusing to cover the full amount. The formula being considered is a loan with an option to buy. Todibo’s stated willingness to join the Vélodrome, even if it means accepting lower financial terms, could prove decisive in unlocking the deal.

The French international with two caps is coming off a difficult season with West Ham, the club relegated to the Championship at the end of the 2025-2026 season. A return to the South of France would represent an opportunity for him to revive his career, two years after leaving OGC Nice.

This recruitment comes in a particularly tight context for OM. Sanctioned by the DNCG, the Phocaean club was forced to sell this summer to clean up its finances. Mason Greenwood, Facundo Medina and Geronimo Rulli notably left the Canebière. The only arrivals confirmed so far correspond to the exercise of options or purchase obligations for Timothy Weah, Hamad Traoré and Medina, which were already in the pipeline.

Todibo’s arrival would directly fill the void left by Medina’s departure in central defence, while offering Roberto De Zerbi an experienced profile trained in France to tackle the Ligue 1 season.