Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign OGC Nice’s classy defender, Jean Clair-Todibo, in the upcoming January transfer window.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Newcastle United are “willing to make an effort” to secure the services of OGC Nice defender as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his backline even further.
The Magpies have enjoyed a meteoric rise since PIF’s takeover just over two years ago. Purchasing a club that were in the lower reaches of the Premier League at the time, Newcastle United are now in the Champions League and thrashing European elites such as PSG 4-1 in front of a packed St. James’ Park.
Their rise is largely down to the excellent coaching of Eddie Howe, who has been backed by some really astute signings along the way. And while the club has kept within their FFP limitations, prized additions such as Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak, and Sandro Tonali have outlined their intentions and helped make the club a force to be reckoned with.
The PIF are looking for further players who can come in and enhance Howe’s squad as they plan to retain Newcastle’s place among the elite, with the club hoping they can finish back in the European places again this season.
One key area Eddie Howe is looking to improve upon is the centre-back department. And one of the names that stands out on his shortlist is that of talented French central defender, Jean-Clair Todibo.
The 23-year-old has established himself as a key player for the Ligue 1 outfit and has captured the attention of several high-calibre clubs due to his impressive performance for Nice. He has managed to break into the international set-up with France as well and will look to establish himself as a regular starter for his country ahead of the European championships next summer.
The player has a contract with the Ligue 1 outfit until the summer of 2027, and he is likely to cost a premium if any suitor wishes to sign him in the near future. As such, Todibo could be identified as the heir to Fabian Schar’s position in the Magpies backline, with the Swiss, aged 31, entering the final year of his contract at St. James’ Park.
Schar has enjoyed something of a redemption arc under Howe, is proving one of the best signings in many seasons, and is making a mockery of the £3 million fee that then-boss Rafael Benitez paid to Deportivo La Coruna for his services.
Although the Magpies are in talks to reward Schar with another short-term deal, Howe might be wise in focusing his attention on providing his squad with an upgrade. Like Schar, Todibo is a ball-playing defender capable of contributing effectively to offensive manoeuvres, starting from the back.
Furthermore, the Frenchman’s versatility, passing ability, and athleticism make him a perfect candidate to form a rock-solid partnership at the back with Sven Botman. It remains to be seen whether Newcastle splash the cash on Todibo at the turn of the year.
