Jean-Clair Todibo has indicated that a £35 million move to Manchester United was never particularly likely with the France international happy with life at Nice.
With many a Red Devil expressing their concerns over a potential Sir Jim Ratcliffe takeover, the INEOS chief certainly could have endeared himself to a sceptical fanbase by green-lighting Jean-Clair Todibo’s big-money move from his current club to the one he looks to break free of Glazer control.
But, speaking to L’Equipe two weeks after the close of the summer window, Jean-Clair Todibo suggests that a much-mooted £35 million switch to Manchester United was never as close as some in the media had indicated.
Nice were determined to keep him. What’s more, after making only four La Liga appearances for Barcelona, the stylish centre-half was in no mood to risk being burned again by another footballing powerhouse.
Manchester United linked with Jean-Clair Todibo
“It’s very clear the club would not have sold me this summer,” Todibo explains, running L’Equipe through his thought process when those Manchester United links emerged.
“I’ve given it in-depth thought and I remained calm. I didn’t want to make the wrong choice.
“I expect to be presented with the full picture. What are you expecting from me? Why am I signing? You shouldn’t arrive at a club asking yourself this. I know what I have in Nice, so why leave?
“Everything must be clear.”
Ten Hag wanted Pavard over Todibo
United, it must be said, did not appear totally sold on Todibo anyway. According to Fabrizio Romano, it was Benjamin Pavard – rather than the former Schalke loanee – who Erik ten Hag had identified as the ideal replacement for Harry Maguire before the much-maligned Englishman turned down a £30 million move to West Ham United.
Todibo, meanwhile, has endued a mixed start to the current campaign. The 23-year-old gave the ball away in the build up to Germany’s second goal in a 2-1 defeat for the French national team in midweek, his long-awaited Les Bleus debut not exactly going to plan.