Manchester United Agree €40m Deal for Nice Defender Todibo

Manchester United have reached an agreement with OGC Nice to sign French defender Jean-Clair Todibo for a reported €40m (£34m), according to multiple reports in England and France. The 24-year-old centre-back is expected to sign a four-year contract with an option for an additional season, pending a medical and final paperwork.

Todibo’s arrival addresses United’s urgent need for defensive reinforcements following Raphael Varane’s departure and injury concerns surrounding Lisandro Martínez. For Nice, the sale represents a significant profit on a player they signed from Barcelona for just €8.5m in 2021 after multiple loan spells.

The former Toulouse defender established himself as a key figure in Nice’s backline last season, starting 30 Ligue 1 matches as the club finished fifth. His composure in possession and aerial dominance align with manager Erik ten Hag’s preference for ball-playing defenders capable of building attacks from the back.

This transfer marks United’s first major defensive signing of the summer window as they prepare for Champions League football. Nice are reportedly already targeting RC Lens defender Facundo Medina as Todibo’s replacement, according to L’Équipe.