Aston Villa explore Jean-Clair Todibo move after Ezri Konsa exit

Aston Villa are exploring a move for West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo as Unai Emery searches for another centre-back following Ezri Konsa’s departure to Arsenal.

Villa have asked about the 26-year-old after stepping away from a proposed move for Joel Ordóñez and seeing two bids for Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis rejected. Sky Sports’ transfer round-up, citing Daily Mail reporting, says Todibo has now emerged as another option as Villa reassess their defensive shortlist.

The interest remains at an exploratory stage. There is no confirmed bid, agreement or medical, and Villa’s approach should therefore be viewed as an enquiry rather than an advanced negotiation.

Todibo’s availability is linked to West Ham’s relegation, with the France international among the senior players whose futures have come under increased scrutiny following the club’s drop into the Championship. He made his move from Nice permanent in summer 2025 after initially joining West Ham on loan the previous year.

For Villa, the need is immediate. Konsa’s exit has left a clear hole in the centre of defence, while the club’s pursuit of Ordóñez collapsed and Southampton have so far resisted attempts to prise Harwood-Bellis away. That has pushed Todibo higher up the list as Emery looks for a defender with Premier League experience who could be integrated quickly.

The appeal is obvious. Todibo has already played extensively in England and would offer Villa a more established option than Ordóñez, whose move had been complicated by concerns over a fractured metatarsal and recovery timeline.

There is also familiarity between Villa and West Ham this summer, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka already moving to Villa Park on loan. Whether that helps unlock a second deal remains to be seen, but the relationship between the clubs gives Villa a direct route into negotiations if they decide to formalise their interest.

For now, Todibo is one of several options rather than a deal close to completion. The next meaningful development will be whether Villa convert their enquiry into a formal offer — and whether West Ham’s valuation makes that route more realistic than their alternatives.