RC Lens General Manager Benjamin Parrot has explained how they managed to sign Jean-Clair Todibo from West Ham United, despite him being out of their reach financially.
L’Equipe have an interview with the Lens director today. He explains in that how profiles such at Todibo fit their plan perfectly.
Lens move
The defender joined the French side on loan for the season on deadline day of the summer transfer window.
The move has certainly raised eyebrows, with reports questioning how Lens have managed to pull off what many perceive to be a coup.
While Todibo has not managed to impress at West Ham, nor at many clubs in recent years, he is still considered to be a player beyond Lens’ scope.
Instead, they’ve added him to a growing list of players who have headed to the French side looking to revive themselves. It’s become something of a strategy for the club in recent years.
Players such as Florian Thauvin, Michael Cuisance and Odsonne Edouard have all headed there at low points to revive themselves and enjoy success back in France.
Post West Ham revival
Todibo is now hoping for the same. And Parrott believes the club very attractive to players such as the defender.
“Having faced failure or doubt in one’s career creates a strong basis for meshing with our environment,” he explained.
“Thanks to our values, we know we can get a player back onto the fast track. Someone who had access to it through talent but was forced to take a detour onto a secondary road.
“We love these players. Because, beyond their talent, their life experiences often give them added maturity, greater self-awareness, and a heightened hunger that aligns perfectly with our DNA.
“Normally, these guys would be financially out of reach. What we offer them is a form of pure football therapy, based on a clear moral pact.
“If a player comes here to rebuild their career through hard work and humility, we will give them everything. But if they step outside the established team framework, they will have to answer to us.”
