Wolverhampton Wanderers are ready to complete the signing of young French defender Jean-Claire Todibo for a fee of around €25 million.
According to a report published by SPORT, Wolverhampton Wanderers are closing in on the signing of Jean-Claire Todibo from FC Barcelona, for a fee reported to be around €25 million.
Todibo joined Barcelona from Toulouse in the winter transfer window of 2019 for a bargain fee of just €1 million despite being part of one of best defensive prospects to come out of France. He made his debut against SD Huesca in a 0-0 draw as part of the weakened team fielded by Ernesto Valverde before the UCL quarter-final away leg against Manchester United.
He only managed to get only to get a grand total of 150 minutes post that before being loaned out to Schalke 04. He was, however, part of the starting XI that beat Inter Milan 2-1 in the Champions League knocking them out. Todibo was awarded the man of the match for his exploits in defence that day.
Life has managed to come fast for Todibo since his move to loan move to Germany. A long-term injury halted his progress due to which he was sidelined for nearly two months, post which a transfer to Everton fell out, and the player tested positive for the Coronavirus after his return to Barcelona’s training.
Wolves might have come to his aid, though, as they go into the market looking for a centre back. They currently have six centre-backs on their payroll, out of which Roderick Miranda is expected to complete his permanent transfer to FC Famalicao. Ryan Bennett failed to impress during his tenure at Leicester City, and will likely not get a place ahead of Conor Coady, Willy Boly or Romain Saiss.
Todibo has the ability to become an excellent deputy to one of the starters, and could even make a case in the starting lineup over Willy Boly who looked shaky throughout the season. Additionally, he provides more cover in terms of pace than any of the aforementioned players – a trait that goes a long way in a three-man defence.
The only obstacle in this transfer is Barcelona’s asking price, reported between €20 million and €25 million. The Frenchman has failed to make over 15 appearances in the last two season and has been far from his best during the same. Barcelona are desperate to raise money in the form of player sales, and could further reduce his fee for Wolves in the absence of interest from elsewhere.
