Even though Erik ten Hag’s squad has only played 17 games and is currently seventh in the Premier League, their seven losses indicate that this season has not been easy.
Manchester United’s main saving grace this season has been their average defence of 1.24 goals per game, with Andre Onana having the joint-highest number of clean sheets.
But the fact that United has had to start Jonny Evans, 35, six times already in the Premier League this year emphasises the necessity for more centre backs.
Jean-Clair Todibo, the most recent Man Utd transfer
Jean-Clair Todibo has reportedly been Man United’s transfer target since June, according to Fabrizio Romano, who made this revelation on X this week.
Premier League Jean-Clair Todibo Nice
The Nice defender is reportedly seeking for at least £35 million, although Transfermarkt values him at £30 million.
The London team has recently begun negotiations with Todibo, but the deal is anticipated to be complicated. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old has also been linked to Tottenham Hotspur.
The playing style of Jean-Claire Todibo
The Red Devils could pull off the same feat by adding Todibo in January, who has the ability to completely change the United defence, much like the Serbian accomplished over his eight years at Old Trafford. United great Nemanja Vidic joined the team midway through the 2005–06 Premier League season for £7 million.
The former Barcelona defender is an all-around player who can fit into any system thanks to his ideal combination of athleticism, defensive security, and on-the-ball abilities. Furthermore, it is hard to argue with Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig’s assessment that Todibo is “one of the most underrated CBs in Europe” given the table below that compares his stats to center-backs in the top European leagues.
The Stats of Todibo
Figures (per 90)
Todibe
%ile
finished passes
70.16
top 7%
increasing passes
4.79
upper 17%
Affects
85.05
top 6%
Effective take-ons
0.65-2
top five percent
Dribblers were tackling
1.34
top five percent
Data via FBref
At United, Todibo would easily take over at right centre back, improving the team’s ability to advance the play through the defence. Ten Hag has made it clear with the summer transfer of Onana that he wants to use his keeper both in buildup and when playing out of the back, but some of the present group isn’t ready for that mentality.
The statistics show that the France international is one of the best ball-player defenders in the world. Todibo might play a similar role to what Jurien Timber played under Ten Hag at Ajax, as Luke Shaw is now the only defender in the backline who can regularly and effectively advance the ball.
Nice, Todibo, Jean-Clair
Lisandro Martinez is scheduled to return shortly as well, and he would assume the position of left centre back immediately. Todibo, who can use his acceleration to recover fast and stop dribblers in transition, would be the ideal partner for United’s number six because of the Argentine’s lack of speed and ability to cover territory.
Todibo is the epitome of a Ten Hag signing overall, and he and Martinez would be a formidable duo. With both players, the coach could play much more in line with his impressive style from Ajax and would tick all the boxes. The 23-year-old would revolutionise United and be a great steal for around £35 million.
