Fenerbahce working on deal for West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo

Fenerbahce are exploring a move for West Ham United defender Jean-Clair Todibo and are reportedly working on a deal structure designed to reduce their financial risk.

The Turkish side are said to be closely monitoring the French centre-back's situation following West Ham's relegation from the Premier League, with uncertainty continuing to surround several members of the Hammers squad this summer.

According to reports from France, Fenerbahce's preferred solution would be a loan deal containing an option to buy, allowing the club to assess Todibo over the course of the season before making a long-term commitment.

The proposed structure appears central to Fenerbahce's thinking.

Rather than committing to a permanent transfer immediately, the Turkish club are looking at a loan agreement with an option to purchase next summer. Such a deal would allow them to spread the financial commitment while also protecting themselves if the move does not work out as planned.

Should Todibo impress, Fenerbahce would retain the ability to trigger the purchase clause. If not, the defender could simply return to West Ham at the end of the campaign.

The strategy is reportedly viewed internally as a way of limiting risk while still giving the club access to a player they believe could strengthen their defence.

Todibo endured a difficult second half of last season after falling down the pecking order under Nuno Espírito Santo.

The defender's opportunities became increasingly limited following his red card against Chelsea in January, and he ultimately finished the league campaign with 1,819 minutes across 23 appearances.

With West Ham preparing for life in the Championship, reports in France suggest Todibo is unlikely to remain a regular part of the squad next season.

However, that does not automatically mean a move to Fenerbahce is close.

While the Turkish club are interested, there is currently no indication that the 26-year-old has formally approved the proposal, and West Ham would still need to decide whether a loan deal with an option to buy suits their own plans.

One factor working in Fenerbahce's favour is the sporting project on offer.

The Turkish giants have secured a place in the second qualifying round of the Champions League and can offer European football next season.

That could provide Todibo with an opportunity to rebuild momentum after a frustrating campaign and return to the level of form that previously attracted interest from clubs across Europe.

The defender remains under contract with West Ham until 2029 and is valued at around €22million, meaning the Hammers are under no immediate pressure to make a quick decision.

Discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks as Fenerbahce assess the feasibility of a deal. Before any agreement can be reached, both Todibo and West Ham will need to decide whether the proposed loan structure is acceptable.

With the defender contracted until 2029, West Ham remain in a relatively strong negotiating position, meaning the final outcome could depend on whether Fenerbahce are prepared to improve their proposal or explore alternative options.

Should West Ham cash in on Jean-Clair Todibo this summer, or would selling one of their most experienced defenders be a mistake ahead of a Championship campaign?