Opinion

The extremely worrying and frankly bizarre Jean-Clair Todibo conundrum faced by West Ham

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Jean-Clair Todibo has shown signs of his incredible quality for West Ham United this season.

It’s common knowledge that Jean-Clair Todibo has struggled with injuries, and he took a long time to adapt to Premier League football with West Ham.

The 25-year-old seems to be far happier now with Graham Potter in charge at the London Stadium.

The fact that Jean-Clair Todibo fell out with former West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui clearly made things very difficult for the centre-back.

The good news is that there is definitely a player in there, and his playing style suits Potter’s system to an absolute tee.

West Ham United FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images

Manchester United want to sign Todibo from West Ham this summer, and that proves how highly rated he is in the game.

However, the Frenchman is far from perfect.

Jean-Clair Todibo is quality, but concerning issue lurks in the background

The 6ft 3in centre-back is extremely talented with the ball at his feet.

That’s why he looks so comfortable in a Graham Potter system.

Todibo possesses rapid pace as well, and that enables him to push further up the pitch if he needs to.

However, after the Frenchman was subbed off yet again in the game against Bournemouth on Saturday, alarm bells are ringing amongst the fanbase.

Does he have problems that we are not being told about regarding his fitness?

And if so, have the Hammers made a major mistake by signing him?

Jean-Clair Todibo conundrum is extremely worrying for West Ham

The fact that Todibo has been unable to play a full 90 minutes recently is a big concern in my opinion.

Out of his 20 Premier League appearances this season, he has played only six of those from start to finish.

Jean-Clair Todibo in action for West Ham against Newcastle United
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The last time he completed a full 90 minutes without being substituted was way back in November 2024.

West Ham centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo clearly has some kind of fitness issue right now.

The more cynical amongst us might suggest that he isn’t playing 90 minutes during games due to a clause in his deal from Nice.

Maybe West Ham won’t have to pay as much for him if he hasn’t played a certain amount of full games?

I’m not sure I subscribe to that theory though, because Lopetegui wouldn’t have given him six 90-minute matches during his reign if that was indeed the case.

If Todibo is to remain at West Ham beyond the end of the summer transfer window, he will definitely need to improve his fitness going forward.