With Harry Maguire set to leave Manchester United the Red Devils are reportedly in the market for young central defender Jean-Clair Todibo as a possible replacement. But how much is the 23 year old worth? Here we take a look at what Erik Ten Hag's side are prepared to offer and if it comes close to Nice's estimation.
Todibo tops the Ten Hag shopping list
Jean-Clair Todibo was one of several names rumoured to replace Harry Maguire since interest from West Ham has increased in their out of favour former captain. While Bundesliga-based duo Benjamin Pavard and Edmond Tapsoba are also in the mix it seems the latter has become part of a bidding war with Newcastle and Spurs in the running. Pavard could make the switch alongside Todibo who has risen to the top of the shoping list with a more palatable valuation around €40m (£35m).
Standing at 1.90 metres tall but very comfortable on the ball the OGC Nice defender will be a perfect fit for Manchester United's style of play. Although only be 23 years old it wouldn't be his first move abroad, Todibo was on the books at Barcelona after just one top flight season at Toulouse but arguably the move came too early in his career as he spent most of his time at Camp Nou out on loan. That's how he ended up on the French Riviera in Nice before the Les Aiglons made the deal permanent.
Todibo by the numbers
- Ligue 1 apperances: 96
- Ligue 1 goals: 3
- Tackles per 90: 2.3
- Carries per 90: 61.8
Jean-Clair Todibo’s game by numbers vs. Lille:
87% pass accuracy
63 touches
45 passes completed
4 clearances
3/5 ground duels won
2/2 dribbles completedImpressive showing. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JU5sfMjJ8I
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 11, 2023
With over 100 top division league games (including Bundesliga and La Liga) the Cayenne-born centre-back already has plenty experience. As noted above his average number of ball carries (61.8) per game is one of the highest in Europe's Top 5 leagues, a stark contrast to the man he is set to replace. With Ten Hag so focused on building from the back it is worth noting just how good his passing statistics are too, in the 2022/23 season he made an average of 4.8 progressive passes per game and his completion rate was at 88.5% according to WhoScored.
Importantly Todibo can defend too, last season he won possession in the defensive third more times than any other player in the major European leagues, a whopping 175 recoveries.
Jean-Clair Todibo won possession in the defensive third more times (175) than any other player in Europe's top seven leagues in 2022/23.
Just another French centre-back gem. 💎 pic.twitter.com/1KW2xSybyy
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 9, 2023
Is Todibo worth it?
According to transfermrkt.com the current valuation of Jean-Clair Todibo is €30m (£25.9m) which would suggest Manchester United plan to splash out way above his market price. However, the reality is that they would be buying a player with huge potential given his age and impressive numbers to date. Looking around the transfer window a €40-50m (£35-43m) price range would put Todibo in similar territory to other Premier League signings Jurrien Timber, Micky Van de Ven and Axel Disasi who are of a similar age and have joined Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea respectively this summer.
By no means a bargain, it would still be a valuable investment for the Old Trafford outfit as they upgrade their squad ahead of what will be a busy season with Champions League competition to come. Ten Hag will do well to close in on Todibo before other clubs begin to bid.
