Jean-Clair Todibo has recently revealed why he turned down the opportunity to join Manchester United and chose to stay at Nice instead. The 23-year-old defender was heavily linked with a £34 million move to United back in August, with the club considering him as a replacement for Harry Maguire, who was rumored to be leaving Old Trafford.
However, Maguire ultimately stayed at United after failing to agree on terms with West Ham, and this led to Todibo’s transfer collapsing. But it turns out that Todibo wasn’t keen on making the switch to the Premier League anyway. He explained that he was not sold on United’s project and felt that Erik ten Hag’s side did not do enough to persuade him otherwise.
In an interview with L’Equipe, Todibo stated, “It’s very clear the club [Nice] would not have sold me this summer. I have given it [the links to United] in-depth thought and I remained calm. I didn’t want to make the wrong choice. I expect to be presented with the full picture. What are you expecting from me? Why am I signing? You shouldn’t arrive at a club asking yourself this. I know what I have in Nice, so why leave? Everything must be clear.”
Todibo also admitted that he had considered whether joining a “top club” like United would increase his chances of playing for the French national team. However, he believes that there are guarantees when playing at Nice and expressed his immense joy at wearing the blue jersey for the first time and singing the Marseillaise.
Currently, Nice is performing well in Ligue 1, sitting in second place and unbeaten after five games. On the other hand, United has struggled, suffering three defeats in their first five games and currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League.
This revelation from Todibo sheds light on his decision-making process and highlights the importance of a clear vision and project when considering a move to a new club. It also emphasizes the significance of a player’s personal goals and aspirations, such as representing their national team.
Todibo’s decision to stay at Nice may have been influenced by the club’s success and the opportunities it provides for him to showcase his abilities. By remaining at Nice, Todibo can continue to develop as a player and potentially secure a spot in the French squad for Euro 2024.
As for Manchester United, they will need to reassess their options and find alternative solutions to strengthen their defense. The collapse of Todibo’s transfer highlights the challenges clubs face in the transfer market and the importance of effective communication and persuasion in securing desired signings.
In conclusion, Jean-Clair Todibo’s decision to reject Manchester United and stay at Nice was influenced by his lack of belief in United’s project and the club’s failure to convince him otherwise. Todibo’s focus on his personal goals and the guarantees he feels he has at Nice played a significant role in his decision. This revelation provides insight into the complexities of player transfers and the importance of a clear vision and project when attracting top talent.