Roland Cutinho
OGC Nice star Jean Claire-Todibo reveals the reason for his failed move to Manchester United
OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo has revealed that he rejected a transfer to Manchester United during the summer because he wanted to avoid making a regrettable decision.
He expressed confidence in his current situation at the Allianz Riviera, emphasising that he values the sense of security and assurance he enjoys there.
During the summer, the Red Devils allowed the departures of two long-standing defenders, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, as their contracts came to an end.
The situation surrounding former captain Harry Maguire also garnered significant attention, as the 30-year-old found himself as the fifth choice behind Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw.
Interestingly, Shaw, primarily a left-back, was frequently favoured as a centre-back last season.
If Maguire had indeed sealed a £30 million transfer to West Ham United, Man United had plans to find a replacement for their former captain during the final stages of the transfer window. It was said that they had considered making a move for Nice star Todibo.
Erik ten Hag’s side had previously missed out on signing Kim Min-jae, who opted for Bayern Munich, and they also chose to sell Benjamin Pavard to Inter Milan instead of transferring him to the Premier League.
At a certain point, L’Equipe (h/t the Metro) suggested that Todibo was close to joining Old Trafford this summer. However, when the transfer window closed, the 23-year-old was still part of the Nice squad.
Todibo, who chose to remain with Les Aiglons, has recently shared details of his eventful summer. He disclosed that he did receive offers from “top” clubs but is yet to find a project that aligns with his vision of a “complete project.”
While speaking to French outlet L’Equipe (as quoted by the Manchester Evening News), the centre-back said:
“I experienced it differently from previous situations in my career. My thinking was much more in-depth and thoughtful. I didn’t want to make a mistake in my choice. I remained very calm.”
“I am waiting to be presented with a complete project. What is expected of me? Why am I coming? You shouldn’t join a club just like that. I know what I have at Nice. Why go into the unknown? “
Todibo started his football journey in Toulouse’s youth system before securing a transfer to Barcelona in 2019. However, his time at Camp Nou was limited, featuring in only five senior matches and being loaned out to Schalke and Benfica.
The 6ft 3in centre-back initially joined Nice on loan during the 2020-21 season, where he formed a successful partnership with Arsenal’s William Saliba. Later, he made his move to the Ligue 1 side permanently that same summer.
Todibo has since made 106 appearances for Les Aiglons, scoring twice and providing an assist. He recently made his debut for the French national team in a 2-1 friendly loss to Germany.
The defender is contracted with Nice until 2027, leaving open the possibility for Man United to revive their interest in him next summer.
His potential move to Old Trafford came with no assurance of displacing Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane as starters, and it seems that the French star wasn’t willing to take that risk at this stage of his career.
The Red Devils ultimately secured the services of Jonny Evans until the end of the season. In the absence of Martinez and Victor Lindelof due to injuries, Evans and Maguire formed the central defensive partnership in their recent match against Arsenal.
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While Man United would have preferred to sign Todibo or another centre-back in the summer to strengthen their defence, Maguire’s decision to stay made such a move impossible. They will now have to work with their existing options until January.
In our opinion, the centre-back situation is still not clear at the club, and it remains to be seen whether United have the flexibility to go after a new defender next summer.
