French club RC Lens reportedly intend to keep Jean-Clair Todibo until the end of the season, despite suggestions that they could consider ending his loan deal during the January transfer window.

The 26-year-old defender joined Lens from West Ham United in September 2026 on a season-long loan. The agreement does not include an option for Lens to sign him permanently, meaning he is expected to return to West Ham when the loan expires in June 2027.

Although reports have raised questions about his future following a difficult start in France, Lens appear prepared to give the French international more time to settle into the team.

Todibo arrived at Lens with a strong reputation after playing in France and England. He previously represented Toulouse, Barcelona, Schalke 04, Benfica and Nice before moving to West Ham.

His time at the English club, however, became difficult during the 2025-26 campaign. West Ham struggled in the Premier League and were eventually relegated to the Championship.

Todibo was among the players whose futures came under discussion as the club prepared for life in the second division. With limited prospects of regular football at West Ham, a return to France offered him an opportunity to rebuild his career.

Lens signed him to strengthen their defence and add experience to a squad competing in domestic football and European competition.

The defender has faced challenges during his early weeks at Lens, with reports from French football coverage highlighting concerns about his fitness and ability to complete matches.

He has struggled to maintain consistent playing time, raising questions about whether he can quickly reach the level expected of him.

However, fitness difficulties do not automatically mean a player will be released from a loan agreement. Lens may prefer to give Todibo time to recover fully and demonstrate his value rather than make an early decision.

The club has not publicly announced a plan to terminate his loan, and no confirmed agreement has been reported to send him back to England in January.

For Todibo, the coming weeks will be important as he seeks regular minutes and tries to establish himself in the Lens defence.

West Ham will also be watching his progress, given that he remains under contract with the English club until 2029.

Unless the situation changes, the current agreement points to Todibo remaining in France until the end of the 2026-27 season, with his long-term future likely to be considered later.

SOURCE: https://x.com/JacobsBen/status/2113280827341553841?s=20