West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo has been at the centre of speculation since the arrival of new manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Hammers’ £35 million centre-back has not featured in either of Nuno’s first two games as head coach — and hasn’t even made the bench.
Todibo has not featured for West Ham under Nuno
There were initial rumours that the Frenchman was unfit to play, but he was pictured in training sessions both before and after the Everton game. Claret & Hugh’s training ground source has reported that the former Barcelona man has been training with the rest of the group, which has only fuelled further suspicion that he may not be part of Espirito Santo’s long-term plans at West Ham.
Transfer Interest Mounts
Only today, football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano indicated there is interest in Todibo, with a possible January move on the cards.
However, late last night, Claret & Hugh spoke with a source close to the player who insisted he has no intention of leaving West Ham. For the second time in a week, the message was clear: “Jean-Clair Todibo will be in the team soon, don’t worry about that.”
Todibo pictured alongside Walker Peters in Thursdays training session
While the messaging from the player’s camp appears strong, it’s difficult to see how Todibo forces his way past Konstantinos Mavropanos given the Greek defender’s current form.
It will be fascinating to see how this situation unfolds, but personally, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him leave on loan in January.
Not sure where he fits into the team, is he replacing Mavropanos? He rarely heads the ball and we are week at set pieces, his strength is in ground duels but as a defender you need more than that, he also isn’t breaking from defence like he did at Nice which is another asset not being utilised.
Imho unless Nuno has another plan possibly 3 at the back we would be better off moving him on and getting a more physical cb in.
Mavrapanos form?
That must be a tongue in cheek comment.
The bloke is a liability with a disastrous error only ever 2mins away.
Wow.
I guess you haven’t seen the last two games then? Mavropanos has played pretty well and has probably benefitted from Nuno’s guidance. Todibo usually playes on the right side of defence so I can’t see him getting too many opportunities unless there’s an injury or a formation change.