By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Whilst many West Ham fans might have seen a very happy, smiley, jovial-looking Jean-Clair Todibo taking part in the first day back at Rush Green yesterday, it’s clear the defender still wishes to leave the London Stadium.
This morning, The Athletic reported that the French centre-back has no intention of playing in the Championship and is seeking a move away from the club.
No Surprise Behind The Scenes
There is no great surprise there, of course, as Claret & Hugh has reported on several occasions that Todibo and Nuno Espírito Santo fell out spectacularly during the final two games of the Premier League season.
The former Barcelona defender vowed never to play for Nuno again.
However, as C&H revealed exclusively last week through an agent involved in bringing Todibo to West Ham, there have been no offers for the 26-year-old.
So whilst he may wish to leave West Ham, and the club’s owners are prepared to sanction his departure, there are currently very few options available.
A leading agent told us last week:
“There is one club looking at loaning Todibo but that’s it.”
Few Clubs Ready To Commit
It would seem the defender’s options are scarce.
Marseille are believed to be interested but, crucially, do not have the money to fund a permanent transfer.
One can easily imagine several clubs testing the water with loan proposals instead.
Perhaps a loan with an option to buy would ultimately prove the best solution for both Todibo and West Ham.
As things stand, though, it would appear Todibo’s perception of his own standing within the game doesn’t quite match that of the current transfer market, which has shown very little appetite for rescuing him from a club he no longer wishes to represent.
The Spurs hatchett appears to be buried for some or until whu return to premiership.
This is horses for courses and whatever is needed.
Todibo and Nuno need to build bridges and he can move on when premiership is regained.
Their stubbornness is not doing club or player any good.
Solving centre back positions will allow concentrating on other priorities.
New signings are important but retaining Mavro and attempting to get Disarsi back equally urgent.
Will either be wanting to play championship?
If you don’t want to play in the Championship don’t get relegated. Work harder, play better and don’t get into disputes with the manager you aren’t going to win.
I thought we stole him from Man Utd, who were barred from signing him. There must be someone out there who still rates him
His best chance of moving on is by playing well for us and making up with Nuno.
If a manager can’t rehabilitate players you have to question the risk associated to employing them, Potter lost the dressing room, Nuno could also and we have premium price players that we need to minimise losses on.
Nailed it
exactly