Harry Maguire’s replacement is coming.
“Manchester United are close to signing Jean-Claude Todibo, 23, OGC Nice,” French outlet L’Equipe reported on Wednesday (April 23). The transfer fee is expected to reach 40 million euros (about KRW 57.9 billion).
Todibo is one of the most talented central defenders in the French Ligue 1. He was highly touted when he joined Barcelona in 2019. However, he did not get many chances. He has made just five appearances in his Barcelona career. He spent time on loan at Schalke 04, Benfica, and other clubs to gain experience.
In 2021, he joined his current club Nice. This is where his talent blossomed. For a player of his size (190 centimeters), he is quick on his feet. He’s also physical and a good provider. He is also said to have excellent leadership and competitive spirit for his young age.
He has been actively pursued by the Red Devils this summer and is a favorite to replace Maguire, who has fallen down the pecking order.
United bought Maguire from Leicester City in 2019 for a whopping £80 million, making him the most expensive defender in football history.
However, he never lived up to his transfer fee. Showed a lack of quickness and often missed opposing strikers. He made silly mistakes that led to many goals.
Due to his continued poor form, United stripped Maguire of his captain’s armband 토토사이트 and prepared to sell him this summer. West Ham United made a move for Maguire, but the player’s decision to stay at the club scuppered the deal.
While he is close to staying, it is unclear if he will find a place in the team this season. Coach Eric ten Hagg is not considering playing Maguire. However, if current first-choice defenders Rafael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are injured, Maguire is the next option. To prevent this from happening, the Red Devils have been working on a deal for Todibo and are now close to signing him.