Barcelona flop wanted by Europe’s biggest clubs this summer

Jean-Clair Todibo has resurrected his career after an underwhelming spell at Barcelona.

The Frenchman centre-back moved to Camp Nou in 2019 from Toulouse. After making his home debut on the same day as Ronald Araujo, Todibo’s career trajectory took a very different turn, and after loan stints at Schalke, Benfica, and Nice, he permanently returned to Ligue 1 in a move that saw Barcelona pocket a fixed fee €8.5 million that could rise to €15.5m with add-ons.

He has now firmly established himself as one of Nice’s key players and his solid showings during the 2022/23 campaign have attracted interest from a number of European giants.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United and Liverpool’s scouts were in attendance in Nice’s 2-1 win over Rennes last weekend to monitor the 23-year-old.

Barcelona flop wanted by Europe’s biggest clubs

He could get a second chance at showcasing his talents at a top side this summer. But it’s thought any club would have to pay around €45m to secure his services. Cash-rich Newcastle are also in the race for the former Barca man.

As far as defence is concerned, Barcelona have been absolutely brilliant this season, conceding the fewest number of league goals (11) in Europe’s top five divisions this season.

Further, the hierarchy have already addressed the depth issue by agreeing a deal with Iñigo Martínez. The Athletic Bilbao centre-back will switch clubs on a free transfer this summer.

Barcelona are not looking for any other central defender, but there are concerns Xavi could lose one of his options from the department at the end of the season due to the club’s desire to strengthen elsewhere despite their dire financial situation. United are understood to be interested in Andreas Christensen, who has been a mainstay in Xavi’s side that are on the verge of ending their four-year title drought.