Manchester United are believed to be eyeing up Jean-Clair Todibo as a potential replacement for Harry Maguire. The 23 year old would provide depth in central defence should he move from Nice but any potential Jean-Clair Todibo Man Utd transfer may still be some way off.
Todibo feels like he’d be a good fit for Erik ten Hag’s plans at Old Trafford. He’s credited for his ability with the ball at his feet and ability to progress forwards with it from central defence and has already experienced football in a number of different countries.
While he failed to make it into the Barcelona first team set-up on a regular basis, Todibo was on the books of the Catalan club between 2019 and 2021 with loan spells at Schalke and Benfica before another temporary move to Nice in the 2020/21 season. It was at the French club where Todibo really started to shine with a permanent transfer completed in the summer of 2021 and the defender has been a regular starter and important player for the Ligue 1 club ever since.
Jean-Clair Todibo Man Utd transfer – How close is a deal?
🚨 NEW: #mufc are also looking at Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo. [Sky] pic.twitter.com/Qz5Iei8BGQ
— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) August 14, 2023
Right now, Jean-Clair Todibo appears to be very high on Manchester United’s shortlist of potential central defensive targets. It has been reported that the Nice player has already spoken to Erik ten Hag which suggests there is genuine interest and admiration for his qualities.
However United are also being strongly linked with Benjamin Pavard who would be an alternative defensive target should they seek greater experience and versatility in the backline. Both players are valued at around €30-40m so it would be a sizable transfer fee, although any move for Todibo would barely register among the most expensive Premier League signings this summer.
Overall, there is little sign that this deal is close to being done. There are no reports that Manchester United have submitted a formal offer for Todibo yet. It’s clear that they are admirers of the 23 year old but any move for Todibo or Pavard is likely to hinge on Harry Maguire completing a move away from the club.
In the event that Maguire does move, Manchester United should have little trouble financing a deal for Todibo who’d most likely be keen on the transfer.
Everything hinges on Maguire
Manchester United had contacts to be informed on the conditions of Jean Clair Todibo deal. No bid or talks at this stage as the option could only be activated if Harry Maguire leaves 🔴🇫🇷 #MUFC
Juventus already left the race for Todibo last week. pic.twitter.com/DecIKzcUJh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2023
Manchester United currently have four senior centre-backs with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez the first choice options for Ten Hag who has indicated that Victor Lindelof is now ahead of Maguire as the preferred back-up. The club’s decision to accept an offer from West Ham for the England man is also a pretty clear indicator that Manchester United would ideally like to move Maguire on this summer.
West Ham are not short on funds to finance the deal so personal terms are unlikely to be an issue but Maguire may have other options with reported interest now coming from Aston Villa who lost centre-back Tyrone Mings to a serious injury at the weekend.
There is little chance of United making a formal move for a new central defender until Maguire is out of the door. Therefore any chance of Jean-Clair Todibo arriving in Manchester appears to hinge on the England centre-back who has a big few days ahead as he decides on his future.
