West Ham’s relegation has already seen the dressing room ripped apart, with a number of departures, eight so far – nine if you include Paqueta – but one unresolved issue still hangs over Rush Green like a big, dark cloud.
Jean‑Clair Todibo. And unless Nuno Espírito Santo confronts it head‑on, the Hammers risk dragging a toxic, expensive problem into a season where every mistake could cost promotion.
Todibo arrived with a pedigree and a fanfare, on a private jet accompanied by then technical director Tim Steidten, having played for Barcelona and Nice with some international caps along the way. However his West Ham spell has been defined by inconsistency and frustration.
This hasn’t been isolated to his career at West Ham, it’s consistent with his time elsewhere including Schalke and Benfica.
Italian clubs Napoli and Atalanta admire him, but even they’re wary of his salary, described as “massive” and a “stumbling block” in multiple reports. And here’s the key detail:
Todibo earnt £80,000 per week at West Ham in the Premier League, that’s £4.16 million per year, excluding bonuses. (Source Capology). In the Championship, Todibo still pockets £40,000 per week, making him one of the highest‑paid players in the entire Championship. Which is astronomical. It’s Premier League money in a division where most starting centre‑backs earn £10k–£25k per week.
Back in the days when West Ham won – and Todibo actually played football in exchange for his millionaire lifestyle
West Ham’s financial situation isn’t great: The club posted losses of £104m in the 2024/25 season, with wages ballooning to £176m. Relegation forced a reset, including players wages. Every pound matters. Every contract must justify itself. This isn’t just about money. It’s about dressing‑room stability, promotion momentum, and avoiding another season of chaos.
In my opinion Nuno must sit down with Todibo now, and if he won’t accept an additional pay cut as European clubs are unlikely to afford his current salary let alone his Premier League wages, then he needs to step up at West Ham.
Nuno, needs squad harmony, an unsettled player can poison morale. Right now, West Ham are preparing for a brutal 46‑game slog with uncertainty at the heart of their defence. That is not sustainable.
If Todibo stays, he must buy in completely, mentally, physically, and professionally. There is clearly a player in there, in his final season at Nice he ranked in the top 4% for tackles in the final third, and the top 8% across all of Europe for shot creating defensive actions. Yet, the most mind blowing statistics was his ability to progress the ball, ranking better than 96% of all centre backs in Europe and 92% for progressive passing.
If however he wants out, then his choice is take a hit on wages, which is unlikely. Either way, silence is the enemy. Nuno cannot allow this situation to drift. Not with promotion on the line. Not with a player earning double or triple the Championship norm.
West Ham’s relegation has already forced painful decisions. Todibo is simply the next one. Nuno’s clear‑the‑air meeting isn’t optional it’s essential. Because in the Championship, West Ham won’t win promotion with uncertainty.
Nuno needs a squad pulling in the same direction. And right now, Todibo is one of the biggest unanswered questions in the building.
In this case it is the player that needs to apologise and take note of his situation but he will not and with his words that he will never play for Nuno again well his ego will prevent him backtracking from that so it is one of many messes that as a club we have made down the years and it will not be the last.
I agree with your post to a certain degree, he must be reminded if he refuses to commit fully to the season or half season if sold in the winter window it would come with repercussions. Refusing to play out right must be a breach of contract surly, and pay could be cut and fines implemented and if he gives lack luster performances he will be moved out of the squad, because he should be one of the stars of the show if he plays at that money. Lack luster performances will not do his career or the club any good at all. Ball in your court.