Graham Potter’s summer plans for his rebuild apparently, we are told, extend to bringing in three or four players. From the performances this summer and the fact that six plus Antonio are leaving there surely is more work to do than the ‘three or four’ referred to. The [Hammers](https://www.claretandhugh.info/hammers-empty-handed-as-psv-defender-signs-on-a-free/) surely face bigger issues defensively than anyone is admitting.
The failure of **Jean-Clair Todibo** to cement a place at the back and secure a decent partnership with Max Kilman is very worrying. Yesterday Todibo was unconvincing, dreadfully lacking for Ipswich’s goal and slated by former West Ham player Tony Gale who called him lazy and unfit during the TV boards on Sky claiming:
_“He always seems to be breathing hard when I watch him…He doesn’t look too fit for me”._
Conversely, the much maligned (often by me!) **Konstantinos Mavropanos** again looked solid and focussed, holding his own against Liam Delap in one long sprint-duel as the pair wrestled en route to the West Ham box. Todibo after a full season still doesn’t seem able to play a full 90 minutes. Time, perhaps, to reconsider selling Mavropanos this summer:
**Nayef Aguerd** is returning from his season-long loan with a chronic knee problem that means he won’t be fit for weeks. Potters conundrum is whether to take the [deal reportedly offered](https://www.caughtoffside.com/2025/04/29/man-united-eyeing-surprise-move-jean-clair-todibo/) to ‘flip’ Todibo – who at present is an unfit, unfocussed luxury player – and take the Manchester United -reported cash and reinvest in a decent hardworking ‘Craig Dawson’ clone who works his socks off for the team.
‘Flair’ is all well and good but when it can’t defend for 90 minutes it becomes a luxury which few can afford: Certainly not when there are only two other fit centre-backs as in West Ham’s case.
Time to take the cash? Todibo’s replacement wouldn’t cost £35 million. Maybe it is time to consider moving the defender on after just one season?