Left-back Jean-Clair Todibo impressed everyone with his performances for Nice last season after arriving from Barcelona, who had not seen him as a fit for their team. In 2019, Barcelona acquired him from Toulouse for one million euros, and two years later, they sold him to French club Nice for 8.5 million euros. They didn’t anticipate his rapid transformation into a top defender. Barcelona is set to profit from any future transfer due to a clause in his contract, entitling them to 20 percent of the fee the next club pays for this French international. English teams, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham, have shown interest in Todibo and are considering bringing him in over the summer. Nice expects to earn at least 60 million euros from his transfer. The 24-year-old footballer, who has previously played for Benfica and Schalke, made 14 appearances in Ligue 1 this season, scoring once.
Interestingly, Todibo was a witness in a trial against former Nice and PSG coach Christophe Galtier. Claims suggest that during their time at Nice, Galtier called him a Salafist and an extremist and allegedly pressured him to break his Ramadan fast. Galtier’s lawyers, contacted by L’Equipe, stated that the coach is “determined” and “eagerly awaits this public and adversarial hearing to prove his innocence, asserting that he has never discriminated against or mistreated anyone. His career and reputation speak to his impeccable character.” Todibo is testifying against the former coach, and he is not the only player to have allegedly suffered under Galtier’s tenure at Nice. Galtier is accused of harboring prejudice against people of different religions and skin colors, a claim yet to be substantiated in court.
Regarding Todibo’s career, he certainly has the potential to be a key player in any team. It remains to be seen which English club he will ultimately choose and how he will adapt to the Premier League, a competition he has yet to experience.
