Jean-Clair Todibo faces fresh uncertainty at RC Lens after the French club reportedly decided to sack Dino Toppmöller.
The West Ham United defender joined Lens on a season-long loan earlier this month, with no option to buy included in the agreement.
But Toppmöller is now set to leave after only four Ligue 1 matches in charge, with reports stating he will not take charge against Monaco on Friday.
That creates an unwanted complication for both Todibo and West Ham.
Todibo had only just broken into Lens side
The timing could hardly be worse.
Todibo made his Lens debut in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Le Mans, replacing Jonathan Gradit after 55 minutes and completing the final 36 minutes.
Only days earlier, Toppmöller had publicly discussed his desire to integrate the France international.
The German said Lens were waiting for Todibo to bring greater stability and composure to their defence after his arrival from West Ham.
Now a new manager will make their own assessment.
That matters to West Ham because Todibo remains their player.
The Hammers sanctioned a temporary departure after a difficult end to his time under Nuno Espírito Santo, with our previous coverage detailing Todibo’s move to Lens after his West Ham exit developed.
West Ham need Todibo playing
Without a purchase option, consistent minutes in France offer West Ham their best chance of Todibo rebuilding momentum and maintaining his transfer value ahead of next summer.
One appearance is nowhere near enough to establish his position.
The managerial change does not mean Todibo will suddenly fall out of favour.
But just as his Lens career had started moving forward, West Ham’s loaned defender must now convince another coach that he deserves to remain there.
