Transfer blow for Everton as Schalke win the race for 20-year-old’s signature
Everton have been dealt a transfer blow in their pursuiot of Jean-Clair Todibo, with Schalke winning the race for the 20-year-old’s signature. Barcelona confirmed on Wednesday that a deal had been agreed with Schalke for Todibo to spend the remainder of the season on loan.
The Bundesliga outfit have paid a £1.28m loan fee and have the option to buy the French defender for £21.3m + £4.26m in add-ons. Everton were linked with a move for Todibo this season and made contact with Barcelona in January, but they’ve missed out on a talented player.
Todibo joined Barcelona from Toulouse in January 2019 but struggled for playing time in his first 12 months at the Camp Nou – five appearances in all competitions. The young centre-back has now joined a club willing to give him more minutes on the pitch and could turn the move permanent if he impresses.
Barca have a buyback option of £42.6m + £8.52m in add-ons, so they’ve prepared themselves for Todibo’s development. Everton need a centre-back, with only Mason Holgate, Michael Keane and Yerry Mina in the first-team, but the Frenchman is now the one that got away.