Liverpool are reportedly leading the race for 24-year-old OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo. The French international has been described as a ‘Rolls Royce’ by U23 scout Antonio Mango, with Manchester United, Spurs and Chelsea all heavily linked as well.
French outlet, Nice Matin, have reported that Liverpool are leading the race for Todibo as he is reportedly very close with international teammate Ibrahima Konate, with a move to Anfield appealing to him.
It’s claimed that The Reds are ‘not indifferent’ to the Frenchman’s talents long with interest from Premier League rivals Tottenham and Newcastle as well as French superpower PSG.
The report also claims that Liverpool ‘have the advantage’ over the rival suitors with Anfield described as a ‘very attractive’ destination for Todibo due to Klopp, the club’s history and the prospect of partnering with his compatriot Konate in the future.
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Italian journalist Rudy Galetti previously reported that Nice would be looking for a fee of around £52 million to land the former Barcelona defender. However, reports now suggest a move is more on the cards for the summer as the French international is keen to maintain continuity between now and the end of the season in order to gain a place within France’s Euro 2024 squad.
Todibo has started all but three of Nice’s league games this season, as they currently sit second in the French League, with talent scout Jacek Kulig describing him as ‘solid as a rock’.
Competition for the French international is going to be fierce in the summer, with the likes of Man United and Chelsea all heavily in the market for a young defender as well as Liverpool.
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Klopp’s side are widely reported to be in the market for a centre-back to replace Joel Matip, whose contract expires at the end of the season, with the likes of Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande also linked with a move to Anfield.
Stylistically, Todibo has been compared heavily to Konate, and with the pair supposedly close friends, it theoretically could provide Liverpool with an exciting French centre-back partnership for years to come. The 24-year-old excels with the ball at his feet, demonstrating a high number of touches in the defensive and middle thirds, as well as good progressive ball-carrying distance, showing positivity in driving the team forward from the back. His composure on the ball and defensive stability suggest Todibo has all the hallmarks of a Jurgen Klopp-style defender.
Whether Liverpool will attempt to lure the centre-half away in the January window is unlikely, with no incomings expected at Anfield this month, but the names that seem to be popping up on the shortlist are all exciting young talents. The likes of Inacio, Diomande and now Todibo would all be welcomed with open arms should they join the club. By the time the summer window rolls around, it could be a case of ‘who’ and not ‘if’ regarding an exciting young centre-back joining the club.
