'West Ham are' - Defender previously 'denied' Man Utd move addresses future
A West Ham defender has issued a statement on his immediate future at the London Stadium
West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo has refuted rumours that he wants to leave the club in January after telling a supporter on social media “i’m not gonna leave big man.”
The centre-back joined West Ham on loan in August from Ligue 1 side Nice. There is an option to make the deal permanent in the summer of 2025. Speaking at the time of his arrival, the defender said: “I am really excited to be signing for West Ham United. This is an amazing opportunity for me, at a Club with huge ambition, who want to really make progress under the new Head Coach. It feels like the right time to be coming to West Ham, in the heart of London, with an amazing, passionate fan-base. I’m so excited to pull on the West Ham shirt, and play at the London Stadium in the Premier League.”
Meanwhile, Sporting Director Tim Steidten added: “This is another significant signing for the Football Club and shows the attraction of West Ham for top players in Europe. It’s no secret that Jean-Clair is a player we’ve been tracking for some time, so we’re delighted to have got this signing over the line ahead of the start of the new season. He’s got proven pedigree in European football, especially in France, where he has shone in recent years, showing all of his qualities as one of the finest ball-playing centre-halves in Ligue 1. There was huge interest from across Europe for his signature this summer, and we’re once again indebted to the Board for backing us to bring in a player who is approaching the peak years of his career. I’m sure the West Ham fans are excited about Jean-Clair’s arrival, and we can’t wait to see him playing in a West Ham shirt.”
Since joining, the 24-year-old has made 12 Premier League appearances for the Hammers. He had been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United in the summer but UEFA denied a potential move as Nice and the Red Devils are both owned or part owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The INEOS CEO complained about that decision from UEFA during the summer as he said: “They've said we [Nice] can sell him to another Premiership club. But we can't sell to Manchester United. But that's not fair on the player and I don't see what that achieves.”
Reports of a dressing room bust up between Todibo and West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui emerged earlier this season after the Irons lost 5-2 at home to Arsenal. However, this was refuted by the Spaniard, who said earlier this month: “The things that happen in the dressing room have to stay in the dressing room. Always. I don’t know exactly what you want or what you though, but nothing important happened. The players have been fantastic. [Great] commitment. I don't have anything to say against my players. I will not talk bad about my players, I accept all the responsibility and pressure. That is why I am the coach. My players have to enjoy their profession. They are demanding with themselves and to believe in them is the most important thing."
Todibo came on as a half-time substitute in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion and addressing his future after the game, Todibo said to a supporter on Instagram: “I’m not gonna leave big man. West Ham are massive!! Don’t believe the media.”