Manchester United’s pursuit of Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo appears to be ended due to a recent UEFA regulation change.
Despite a lot of interest, Manchester United’s transfer business has been a non-mover thus far, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s transfer plans are still in the works.
Everton rejected down an opening approach of roughly £35 million plus £8 million in add-ons for Jarrad Branthwaite last week, maintaining their £75 million valuation of the center-back.
United’s first summer under Ratcliffe will have a limited budget due to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability standards (PSR), necessitating creative and strategic business. That alone is why we are unlikely to see a bid that comes close to Everton’s value.
Since the announcement that United had failed in their first effort to recruit Branthwaite, the number of names listed as alternatives has expanded by the day. However, interest in OGC Nice defender Jean-Claire Todibo remains beneath the radar.
The France international has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford. Ratcliffe’s presence at the club only fueled speculation about a possible move because of his link to Nice.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, a deal for the 24-year-old to join United is presently off and unlikely to happen this window due to UEFA regulations.
In July 2023, the UEFA Club Financial Control Body (ICFC Trial Chamber) proposed new restrictions for multi-ownership clubs. The rule specified that ‘no club owns or deals, directly or indirectly, in securities or shares of any other club participating in a UEFA club competition’.
Both United and Nice will compete in the Europa League next season, so a transfer between the two clubs is not permitted. The restriction was not in force when Benjamin Sesko switched from RB Salzburg to RB Leipzig, despite the fact that both teams are owned by Red Bull.
There’s also the recent case of highly regarded Savio. The attacker is set to join Manchester City following good performances with Girona, which is part of the City Group. The Spanish club will compete in the Champions League alongside Manchester City next season, but the regulation has no bearing on that agreement.
That’s because Savio is under contract with Troyes, who will play in the French second tier next season. Despite being part of the City Group, a transfer agreement between Manchester City and Troyes is more flexible because neither team competes in European championships.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Ratcliffe questioned the verdict that prevented United from signing Nice players. The INEOS owner revealed that UEFA had prevented the French side from selling a player to the club, but declined to name the player.
“They’ve said we can sell him to another Premiership club, but we can’t sell to Manchester United,” he told me. “But that’s not fair on the player and I don’t see what that achieves.”
The news that United will miss out on another centre-back target means they are back at square one in terms of improving a critical part of Erik ten Hag’s team. They still have a variety of alternatives for signings, but failing to land favoured targets is not ideal.
Maathijs de Ligt, Goncalo Inacio, and Marc Guehi have all been linked in recent days, at prices lower than those being mooted for Branthwaite. While a new striker is also being considered, United will be hoping to land their man in defence at the right price.
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