Jean-Clair Todibo could leave OGC Nice for €40 million as Manchester United continue to track the defender ahead of the January window.
According to Fichajes, Manchester United could sign Jean-Clair Todibo for €40 million as they continue to track the French international ahead of the January window. Erik ten Hag desperately needs defensive reinforcements after a wretched start to the season.
Manchester United continued their wretched form since the start of the season as they succumbed to consecutive defeats at home. This time, it was Crystal Palace who came to Old Trafford and took all three points. Joachim Andersen’s solitary first-half strike clearly exposed Victor Lindelof, as the defender shrugged off the centre-back with ease to smash home his goal.
Doubts have been raised over Erik ten Hag’s selection for this clash, considering they only played Palace in midweek. Moreover, Harry Maguire played a good cup game and yet the manager chose to reinstate Lindelof for the Premier League clash with the same opponent.
The Dutchman has not been able to bring consistency into the team, and he certainly blames the rising injuries to his first-team stars for that. Defensive absentees have hurt Manchester United on all fronts this season, with all three of their left-backs absent for the Palace game.
Lisandro Martinez is about to miss a chunk of a season with a foot injury, while Raphael Varane only returned for the Palace game. Hence, it will come as no surprise to see Manchester United linked with new defenders ahead of the January window, with the likes of Edmond Tapsoba and Jean-Clair Todibo already mentioned as potential targets.
The focus is more on the French international defender playing with OGC Nice. Manchester United seemed close to signing him during the summer, but Ten Hag may have had financial restrictions that prevented a move for Todibo.
Other reports also stated Ten Hag had spoken to Todibo during the summer, but any move was contingent on Maguire leaving, as his move to West Ham failed. Manchester United have continued to track Todibo ahead of the January window, as they could approach Nice.
As per the report, the French international defender could leave for €40 million, which is a modest price tag. However, with his contract at Nice valid until 2027, the Ligue 1 giants are within their rights to ask for considerably more.
If Manchester United put in a concerted effort to sign the French defender, they may end up paying between €40-50 million as per current market standards. Even for that money, Todibo will bring brilliance to this backline and add some much-needed energy to the defensive side of Manchester United’s game.
