Exclusive: Lopetegui ‘Convinced’ £35m Star Will be Key Man for West Ham
West Ham United star Jean-Clair Todibo has forced head coach Julen Lopetegui into a significant U-turn and is set to return to the starting line-up for the trip to Nottingham Forest due to becoming a key part of his plans for the remainder of the season at the London Stadium, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The central defender joined the Hammers on an initial season-long loan from Ligue 1 outfit Nice, which includes an option to become permanent for £35million, after technical director Tim Steidten was tasked with leading the capital club’s recruitment drive during the summer transfer window.
Despite sealing a late win against Manchester United last weekend, thanks to captain Jarrod Bowen scoring a stoppage time penalty to grab his fourth goal of the campaign, Lopetegui is poised to make alterations to his starting line-up as West Ham prepare to travel to the Midlands to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Todibo Puts End to Doubts at London Stadium
Central defender poised to return to starting line-up this weekend
Todibo has succeeded in extinguishing Lopetegui’s doubts over whether he is capable of excelling in the Premier League, according to GMS sources, and the Spanish tactician is set to make him a key member of West Ham’s squad for the rest of the season after totally convincing the head coach that he deserves to be one of the first names on the team sheet.
The two-cap France international has been restricted to just 457 minutes of action in all competitions since his August arrival in east London due to the former Wolverhampton Wanderers chief’s concerns over his credentials, while he has also been limited to three Premier League starts.
But, having been forced to bide his time in new surroundings, Todibo has won Lopetegui over and GMS sources have been informed that he will be named in the starting line-up against Nottingham Forest after replacing Konstantinos Mavropanos at the interval when West Ham overcame Manchester United last time out.
Hammers technical director Steidten persuaded the 24-year-old to head to the capital after Manchester United were unable to reach an agreement due to minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe also owning Nice, and he has been eager to make an impact since embarking on a fresh challenge.
Todibo was forced to contend with a place on the bench last weekend due to Lopetegui being keen to take precautionary measures after nursing an injury, GMS sources have learned, but he is on track to be handed the opportunity to ignite his West Ham career by forming a partnership with fellow summer recruit Max Kilman.
