West Ham are set to make one of their most baffling decisions for some time after a report made an astonishing claim about Jean-Clair Todibo.
Of the 10 players the Hammers signed during their now infamous £155m splurge under Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui last year, Jean-Clair Todibo arguably generated the most excitement.
West Ham had landed a top quality French international centre-back who had been at Barcelona and was being actively pursued by Man United and Juventus.
At just 25, Todibo was a prime age too, making West Ham’s achievement in luring him to east London even more impressive.
Man United were only stopped from signing Todibo by UEFA’s strict multi-club ownership rules, which blocked the move due to INEOS’ involvement in the ownership at Old Trafford and Nice.
Todibo goes from flop to cream of the crop at West Ham
Juve looked favourites to sign Todibo until Steidten boarded his private jet for a meeting in Nice and returned to east London with the defender aboard.
The capture of Todibo was seen as the crowning achievement of West Ham’s “best ever” transfer window.
In reality he has been one of the poster boys for the dire flop that window transpired to be.
Todibo has seriously frustrated so far at West Ham following his £35m move, looking Champions League class one minute and Championship the next.
Todibo was massively underwhelming in his debut season falling out with both Lopetegui and Graham Potter.
Things got physical between Todibo and Lopetegui at half-time of a defeat to Arsenal – as the ex West Ham boss would later admit, and try to play down, before making the defender train with the Under 21s and banishing him from the squad for a game.
In the final days of Potter, the sacked Hammers boss called Todibo into his office to demand more effort from him in training.
Todibo’s alleged response, according to a leak from sources close to Potter, was to turn up late to training the next day.
Things did not look great for Todibo when Nuno Espirito Santo first arrived either.
He was left out of the new head coach’s first couple of West Ham squads.
West Ham make astonishing Todibo decision
Then came news that Italian clubs were planning to sign Todibo from West Ham in the January transfer window.
An injury to Konstantinos Mavropanos opened the door for Todibo to come back into the Hammers side of late, though.
And he has been one of the side’s best players, showing new focus and determination to go with his obvious ability.
But West Ham have made an astonishing Todibo decision just as he starts to come good.
After weeks of steady improvement and glimpses of the defender many expected to see, the club’s alleged moves behind the scenes may leave many supporters stunned.
It’s a twist few saw coming — and one that raises big questions given what is at stake for West Ham this season.
The world and its wife knows West Ham are planning to sign at least one striker in the January window.
Longstanding West Ham target Santiago Gimenez has been back on West Ham’s radar since Nuno’s arrival.
Initially a swap deal was mooted involving Niclas Fullkrug, who is said to be of interest to Milan boss Max Allegri, and Gimenez.
The Mexico forward was heavily linked with a move to West Ham when he was leaving Feyenoord, where Gimenez scored 65 times in 105 games.
Hammers ‘willing to sacrifice Todibo’ in Gimenez swap?
Since moving to the San Siro for £30 million in January, though, Gimenez has scored only seven times in 30 matches.
A return to Germany is looking more likely for Fullkrug.
Money has been an issue for West Ham so any chance the club gets to reduce the cost of a deal is one they would consider.
Now Tuttosport are claiming West Ham are willing to offer up Todibo as a sacrifice in order to bring Gimenez to east London.
Yes West Ham fans, you did just read that correctly.
Which player were you most disappointed to see West Ham sell?
And how did you react when Diangana left?
The utterly incredible claim will leave supporters baffled given it comes just as Todibo finally starts to show his quality.
Perhaps West Ham are thinking it is better to cash out while Todibo’s stock is high, given how poor he has been for the previous 16 months.
Especially if they have been eyeing moves for a new centre-back as well amid links to the likes of Charlie Cresswell and Lille’s Brazil defender Alexsandro.
It seems a risky call to make, though, with Todibo finally showing signs of life.
That’s if the claim is true of course.
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