Jean-Clair Todibo is a player admired by Everton for a long time.
1. Jean-Clair Todibo
Jean-Clair Todibo has been an Everton target all year long. Everton were courted with some interest in the January transfer window but the central defender made a switch to Schalke 04 on temporary basis. His loan deal included an ‘option to buy’ but the Die Knappen decided not to activate the clause.
This opened the doors to a transfer to Merseyside with the Toffees enquiring about the price of the defender. Barcelona put a price tag of £25 million plus add-ons but Brands was willing to spend only £22 million. In fact, as per Daily Mail, Everton made a £22+3 million bid as the final bid.
No answer from Barcelona forced the Toffees to move on and concentrate on Gabriel Magalhaes. Sadly, after weeks of transfer drama, the Brazilian is set to make a switch to Arsenal. This could release Everton into the fray to sign Jean-Clair Todibo or atleast make an attempt to sign him.
The Catalans are open to selling him and a £25 million bid should be enough. Blaugrana are also chasing another young defender Eric Garcia of Manchester City and may allow Todibo’s departure to make room for Garcia.
It is true that Olympique Marseille is actively trying to strike a deal for the Frenchman and are even ahead in terms of negotiations but a late convincing offer from Everton can do the trick.
The player currently remains isolated after testing positive for the Corona Virus and no decision on his future will be made before the completion of the quarantine period.
I’d personally take Jean-Clair Todibo over Nikola Maksimovic, another player Toffees are in contact with. The Serbian is 28 whereas Todibo offers long term options. The Frenchman has showed excellent on the ball skills and possesses the drive to go forward with the ball. Despite being a defender, he has excellent distribution skills.