West Ham have been busy in the summer transfer window, adding a host of new faces to their squad. The arrival of Jean-Clair Todibo, who is set to join on loan with an obligation to buy, has generated much excitement among the Hammers faithful. But one question remains: what number will the French defender wear?
The Number Four Conundrum
Todibo, a central defender who boasts impressive experience in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, currently wears the number six at Nice. However, West Ham retired the number six shirt back in 2008 in honour of club legend Bobby Moore, making it unavailable to Todibo. This leaves the number four as the most likely option. With Kurt Zouma's departure imminent, the number four shirt will become available soon, and it seems like Todibo is keen to take his compatriot's number.
Other Options for Todibo
While the number four looks most likely, there are other options for Todibo. The number two is another traditional starter's number, but it is usually reserved for right-backs. The number 27 could also be available soon if Nayef Aguerd follows Zouma out of the West Ham exit as planned. Todibo might also choose a less traditional number with the likes of 12 and 13 available.
New Signing Shirt Number Choices
West Ham's other new signings have already chosen their shirt numbers. Guilherme has taken the number 17, Foderingham the number 21, Kilman the number 26, Summerville the number seven, Fullkrug the number 11, and Rodriguez the number 24. James Ward-Prowse has switched to number eight, Maxwel Cornet is 22, and Andy Irving number 29.
A Message to Fans
West Ham have urged fans to hold off on personalizing shirts until the official squad list is released. This is to avoid any potential disappointment if a player changes their number after the transfer window closes.
The Buzz Around Todibo's Arrival
The arrival of Todibo has generated a lot of excitement among West Ham fans. The 24-year-old defender is widely regarded as one of the best young players in the world, and he is expected to add much-needed defensive solidity to the Hammers' backline. He is a commanding presence in defense and possesses excellent ball-playing skills. He is known for his composure on the ball and his ability to read the game. His arrival is a statement of intent from West Ham, signaling their ambition to compete for major honors in the coming seasons.
The Future is Bright
With the addition of Todibo and other new signings, West Ham are poised for a successful season. They have a talented squad, a proven manager, and a passionate fanbase. The future looks bright for the Hammers, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the upcoming season. The new signings, with their diverse backgrounds and skill sets, promise to inject a fresh perspective and vibrancy into the squad, leading to a thrilling and competitive campaign for the Hammers. The potential of this team is palpable, and West Ham fans will be eagerly awaiting the start of the season to see their new signings in action.