Liverpool and Manchester United interested in former Barcelona defender

Jean-Clair Todibo made his Camp Nou debut on the same day as Ronald Araujo, with the latter replacing the former in the second half against Sevilla in October 2019. But the similarities concerning the career path of two bright centre-backs end just there.

The Uruguayan is still at Barcelona, establishing himself as a regular feature under Xavi. The Frenchman, meanwhile, left Barcelona to play for Schalke, Benfica, and Nice on loan before finding his permanent home at Allianz Riviera.

Todibo has been one of the best centre-backs in Ligue 1 this season and is now expected to be one of the biggest sales in the summer, with several European clubs starting to take note of his exploits at the Gym.

Todibo on Manchester United and Liverpool’s radar

According to L’Équipe, Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in the 23-year-old defender. It is suggested an asking price of €30m could see the player leave Nice at the end of the season.

Liverpool have struggled defensively all season, with Virgil van Dijk looking a shadow of his old self. The Reds threw away a three-goal lead to Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield over the weekend before Diogo Jota stepped up to find a 94th-minute winner to save his side from an embarrassing outcome.

Spurs only came back into the game because of the Dutch centre-back’s comical defending. Ivan Perisic left Van Dijk on the floor before crossing the ball to Harry Kane, who directed the ball past goalkeeper Alisson to cut the deficit.

Although United have kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League this season, their defence has been cut open pretty comfortably on more than one occasion. Their fans are unlikely to forget the 7-0 thrashing at Anfield anytime soon.

Both Liverpool and United could do with another centre-back, and should consider Todibo if they want to sign a defender with high-ceiling and with a reasonable price tag.