Manchester United are set to miss out on signing Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo this summer due to UEFA rules, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils have long been interested in the French international and were tipped to sign him at the start of the 2023/24 season.
United were planning to offload Harry Maguire to recoup funds. The Englishman’s decision to stay meant that they could not afford to recruit Todibo.
The club have since been linked with him on multiple occasions, but Romano has now disclosed that United won’t be signing him despite ‘advanced talks’.
United and Nice are controlled by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. With both clubs also competing in the Europa League, UEFA have blocked transfers this summer.
The clubs need to prove independence by showing that they are owned by different entities.
They have agreed with Europe’s football governing body that no players will transfer between them until September 2024.
United handed big blow in Todibo pursuit
Todibo is one of the best central defenders in the French top flight. He had a fantastic 2023/24 season, completing 90 percent of his passes in Ligue 1.
He also made a stunning 7.1 recoveries per league game alongside 3.1 clearances and 1.9 tackles. Todibo won 60 percent of his duels and helped to keep 14 clean sheets.
Todibo, who has ‘incredible potential‘ according to manager Francesco Farioli, could pursue a bigger challenge this summer, but it won’t be with United.
UEFA multi-ownership rules have blocked any transfers between United and Nice. Todibo could end up joining a potential rival in the Premier League.
Todibo, who is valued at £42 million (as per Sport), could move to Aston Villa, who are closely monitoring the situation and very interested in securing his services.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.
