Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo has revealed he did seriously consider moving to a “top club” during the summer transfer window.
Manchester United were heavily linked with the Frenchman, who was being considered as a potential replacement for Harry Maguire, but a transfer did not materialise. Asked about the prospect of switching clubs, Todibo admitted he was tempted but the right opportunity did not arrive:
“I’m not going to lie and say that I didn’t have the thought to tell myself that perhaps I should play in a ‘top club’ to increase my chances [of playing for France], but there are also guarantees when playing at Nice. I experienced it differently from my previous situations in my career. My thinking was much more in-depth, thoughtful. I didn’t want to make a mistake in my choice. I remained very calm.”
“Reflection is much more important than when I started. I’m waiting to be presented with the complete project. What is expected of me? Why am I coming? You shouldn’t arrive at a club like that. I know what I have at Nice. Why go into the unknown? So, everything must be clear. My first transfer, I was 18 years old. The thinking was not as thorough.”
Will United consider going back in for Todibo in January?
A lot depends on what happens with Maguire. The Red Devils reportedly accepted a £30m bid from West Ham for the defender in August but the player ended up turning down the transfer.
Maguire has since come out and said that he wants to fight for his place at United. If he doesn’t get the game time he needs and it puts his place in the England squad for Euro 2024 in jeopardy, the centre-back may reconsider his stance about leaving.
There are other clubs interested in signing Todibo
It was reported that Juventus made an approach for the 23-year-old in August, only to baulk at the player’s €40m (£34m) asking price.
There could, however, be other potential suitors in January. Newcastle have scouted Todibo in the past, and they are currently short of options at centre-half, so don’t be surprised if the Magpies make a move for the player as well.
