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Local media frightened by West Ham loanee Jean-Clair Todibo's fitness woes as injury verdict shared
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- Local media frightened by West Ham loanee Jean-Clair Todibo's fitness woes as injury verdict shared
West Ham United's Jean-Clair Todibo isn't having the best time away from the London Stadium.
The centre-back joined Ligue 1 outfit RC Lens on a season-long loan after it became clear he was not going to play for the Hammers this season.
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The 26-year-old was reportedly involved in a bust-up with Nuno Espirito Santo last season, and rarely featured towards the end of what was a campaign to remember for the wrong reasons.
Todibo was signed for big money by West Ham in 2024, but never showed the E20 faithful why he was once a highly-rated Barcelona prospect.
The defender has settled into life back in his homeland with Lens, but is set to return to Rush Green next year once his loan deal expires.
However, even Todibo's move has not gone to plan for any of the involved parties so far, as local media have reacted to the latest performance from the West Ham loanee.
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What local media are now saying about Jean-Clair Todibo in France
Todibo played in Lens' 3-1 win over Troyes on Saturday, helping his side to an important three points in Ligue 1.
It was the Frenchman's second start for his loan club, as his first outing lasted 45 minutes in a 2-1 defeat to Monaco before the international break.
Todibo was taken off in Lens' latest win with a suspected injury issue, and is yet to play more than 60 minutes since leaving the Irons on loan.
It's safe to say that the local press are scared about the defender's lack of fitness, to say the least.
MadeInLens rated Todibo's performance a 4/10, writing: "He appeared focused but very limited in his impact on a physical level. Replaced on the hour mark by [Samson] Baidoo, who made a good start."
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MadeinFOOT wrote: "Todibo, who came off grimacing on the hour mark, was only suffering from cramps.
"Todibo, once again, struggled to finish the game and had to give up his place on the hour mark. He does not reassure about his state of fitness."
Lensois had him under their "flops" category, explaining: "Not reassuring at all. He didn't keep up physically. First player of the evening to be substituted."
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With Todibo set to return to Rush Green next summer, it looks like Nuno will have another decision to make with the defender.
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His contract in E20 runs until June 2029, and he is expected to be one of the biggest earners at the London Stadium.
There was an undisclosed loan fee that Lens are said to have paid for the centre-half in the summer, though it's still understood they are paying a big chunk of his hefty salary.
If Todibo is unable to perform for Lens, his market value will plummet even further, which could be looked at as either a positive or a negative for the Irons.
The cheaper he is, perhaps the more enticed other teams will potentially be to take him off West Ham's hands.
