Graham Potter has had a tough time at West Ham.
(Credit: Hasan Karim)
Pranav Shahaney
Thu 29 May 2025 7:40, UK
West Ham are braced for an eventful transfer window ahead, with Graham Potter looking to strengthen his side.
The former Chelsea boss took over from Julen Lopetegui but has not managed to deliver the results to guide his side up the table.
The Irons finished in 14th place and will be eyeing a top-half finish at the very least in the 2025/26 campaign.
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan
David Sullivan will not be happy with this past season. (Credit: Imago)
Jean-Clair Todibo to be put up for sale after £36m deal
According to the Mail (29 May), Potter finds himself in a “ridiculous” situation with regards to the future of Jean-Clair Todibo.
That’s because West Ham find themselves with an obligation to buy the Frenchman for a £36million fee.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
This is despite the fact that the manager and technical director, Tim Steidten, who brokered the deal, is no longer at the London Stadium.
The 25-year-old is expected to be put up for sale as soon as the deal goes through, with him unlikely to have a future in East London.
Jean-Clair Todibo
Todibo has struggled since his move to the London Stadium. (Credit: Imago)
West Ham need to get better in the transfer window
The Hammers must avoid deals like the Todibo transfer if they aim to secure their targets and build for the future.
The obligation to buy the 25-year-old defender for £36million, despite his lack of impact and the departure of key figures like Steidten, who orchestrated the deal, highlights a lack of strategic coherence.
Such financial commitments to players who don’t fit the manager’s vision or the team’s needs risk squandering resources that could be better allocated to targeted signings.
Stats Todibo
Games played 27
Starts 20
Yellow cards 3
Todibo’s Premier League stats this season.
Potter, tasked with elevating West Ham from their 14th-place Premier League finish, requires backing to build a squad aligned with his tactical philosophy, as Lopetegui failed to deliver despite significant investment.
Deals like Todibo’s, where the club plans to sell the player immediately after purchase, reflect poor planning and could destabilise the squad’s morale and financial stability.
To compete for a top-half spot, the hierarchy must prioritise signings that address specific weaknesses, such as dynamic midfielders or consistent goal-scorers and avoid reactive, high-cost deals that don’t serve long-term goals.
Potter’s success hinges on unified support from the board to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Related Posts