According to Miguel Rico of Mundo Deportivo (h/t Sport Witness), Everton are still keen on Jean-Clair Todibo and could agree a deal with Barcelona before the summer transfer window shuts. They may have to fend off Stade Rennais and Fulham to procure his signature, however, as interest is growing in the 20-year-old.
Why is Todibo on the transfer list?
The Frenchman joined Barcelona from Toulouse in January 2019 and has gone on to make only five appearances in all competitions. Todibo struggled for playing time with Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet ahead of him in the pecking order and is already deemed surplus to requirements.
Todibo was loaned out to Schalke 04 last season to get first-team football, making 10 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit, so it doesn’t appear that he has a future at the Camp Nou. Barca are happy to let him go and it’s hard to see the 20-year-old wanting to stay if he’s going to be on the periphery.
How much do Barcelona want for Todibo?
Barca paid only £0.9m for Todibo last year, but CIES Football Observatory believe he’s worth €4m-€7m (£3.65m-£6.4m) while Transfermarkt say his market value is now £12.6m. Miguel Rico believes his asking price is €15m (£13.7m), so he won’t break the bank.
With Lewis Gibson being loaned out to Reading, we need another central defender to accompany Mason Holgate, Michael Keane and Yerry Mina. Jarrad Branthwaite impressed in his handful of appearances last season, but he’s currently injured and will therefore be unavailable for some time.
Have Fulham made a bid?
Yes, according to Sport (h/t Sport Witness). The Cottagers have reportedly made a bid of €18m + €5m (£16.44m + £4.6m) to Barcelona for Todibo, but the veracity of their claims is unknown. Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also said to be interested in the 20-year-old, but it remains to be seen where he’ll end up.
Summary
Schalke opted against turning Todibo’s loan move permanent this summer, so Everton should be wary. The Frenchman hasn’t had the best 18 months in Spain and Germany, so there may be better options out there for us.