Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Mon 25 May 2026 16:30, UK

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Jean-Claire Todibo can’t be allowed to stay at West Ham United beyond the upcoming transfer window.

The France international has arguably been one of the Hammers’ worst signings in recent years and apparently refused to play their final game against Leeds United.

Alex Crook has revealed that the 26-year-old defender has seemingly had a falling-out with Nuno Espirito Santo after being substituted early in the 3-1 loss to Newcastle United in the penultimate Premier League game of the season.

The Irons will be playing Championship football in the 2026-27 campaign, but they still had slim chances of survival on the final day.

Todibo should pack his bags at the London Stadium, with the centre-back’s petulance not something the East London club have the time to deal with right now.

Jean-Claire Todibo future at West Ham guaranteed after Premier League relegation

Speaking on talkSPORT on 25 May, Crook said, “Todibo, as I understand it, refused to play under Nuno after being taken off so early in the last game against Newcastle. Not the only player Nuno has fallen out with this season.”

Todibo undoubtedly won’t want to be playing in the second division despite the fact that he has been nowhere near good enough for the Premier League.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the defender put in a transfer request in the summer and return to France.

The centre-back’s arrival seemed like astute business from the Hammers after his impressive spell at OGC Nice, but it has turned into a disaster.

Tim Steidten’s recruitment at the East London outfit was disastrous, and now another one of his signings will surely be looking for a way out after playing a role in the Irons’ downfall.

London Stadium rebuild on cards as Nuno Espirito Santo on brink

Sources told Football Insider at the start of May that Nuno had no intentions of leaving West Ham even if they were relegated.

However, there have been multiple recent reports that the Portuguese manager is likely to leave the Hammers.

No matter who the next head coach in E20 is, it’s hard to see the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville, Mateus Fernandes and Konstantinos Mavropanos staying at the East London club after relegation.

Plenty of other players may want to look for pastures new soon, which could leave the Irons with a lot of work to do in the transfer window.