When Jean-Clair Todibo joined West Ham, there was much excitement among Hammers fans. Former Technical Director Tim Steidten had beaten off competition from Juventus for a player widely regarded as one of the best young centre-backs in Europe.
Todibo, in his final season at Nice, ranked in the top 4% for tackles in the final third and the top 8% for shot-creating defensive actions across all of Europe. He also scored well for ball recoveries (top 3%) and was in the top 11% for dribblers challenged.
Todibo and West Ham director of football Tim Steidten
Yet his most incredible statistic was his ability to progress the ball—ranking better than 96% of centre-backs in Europe for carries and 92% for progressive passing.
It was this data that prompted West Ham to pay £34m to secure the defender’s signature.
A Rocky Road in East London
However, in just over a year at West Ham, the player has successfully fallen out with two managers, arrived late for training, and been described by ex-Hammer Tony Gale as “lazy” and “unfit.”
Todibo has admitted he’s struggled with the Premier League’s intensity and has often failed to complete full matches. After being left out of the matchday squad for the recent away trip to Everton, rumours have intensified that he may not fit into the new tactical setup at West Ham—though counter reports suggested illness was the reason for his absence.
Potter is said to have fallen out with Todibo
I wrote about the player back in January, highlighting his chequered past. He had an unsuccessful loan at Schalke, who declined to activate a purchase option after just eight appearances, and endured a similar spell at Benfica, where he failed to make a single appearance.
Todibo’s future remains unclear, but growing reports suggest he’s no longer part of West Ham’s long-term plans. A January exit looks increasingly likely, with Juventus reportedly interested and a loan deal with an option to buy firmly on the table.
Todibo was ill and didn’t train last week. That’s the reason he wasn’t included in match day squad against Everton but there seems to be some kind of agenda against the player.
Another one who will suddenly come good when he has left West Ham ?
Shame he is a decent player very good on the ball and composed. But doesn’t seem up to the physical needs of the prem and must have attitude issues
We’ve collectively got to improve the narrative and messaging about any player that is likely to be made available for transfer. We constantly shoot ourselves in the foot when reporting about under performing individuals.
Then we’re outraged at low sell on fees.
Think about it and adjust the narrative to appear as if we are reluctant, not desperate to see the backs of whomever.
On the basis Nuno left him out of the squad for Everton, you could argue he’s fallen out with all 3x of his managers at West Ham in 13 months. That takes some doing!