Ligue 1 star Jean-Clair Todibo chose Barcelona over Liverpool in 2019
In 2019, Liverpool expressed interest in signing Jean-Clair Todibo, a then-upcoming defender who ultimately decided to transfer to Spain with Spain rather moe to Anfield as per Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, via TuttomercatoWeb (h/t Liverpool Echo).
An early indication of a potential new signing for the Reds emerges ahead of the summer transfer window. With Jurgen Klopp set to depart at the end of the current campaign, Liverpool will undergo a managerial change.
As the new sporting director, Richard Hughes will oversee Anfield’s first summer transfer window following Klopp’s departure. The specific players Liverpool will target once the transfer market opens at the conclusion of the season remain unknown.
Liverpool’s previous interest in the defender
The Reds may opt to bolster their centre-back options. The last central defender to join Liverpool was Ibrahima Konate, who arrived from RB Leipzig in 2021.
Football agent Bruno Satin revealed that Liverpool had shown interest in signing Todibo previously. The centre-back made the move to Nice in 2021, the same summer Konate signed for Liverpool, after previously representing Barcelona.
According to Satin, who was once the agent for Todibo, Liverpool was one of three teams ready to sign the Toulouse-born defender in 2019. Satin stated:
“Giuntoli asked me, but there was Liverpool, Juventus and Leverkusen, but then the boy wanted Barcelona and we chose to accommodate him.”
This summer, Todibo has been strongly linked with a return to the Premier League. The 24-year-old has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United, although it remains uncertain whether he will opt to join another team.
Todibo is under contract with Nice until 2027, indicating that any potential transfer for the centre-back would likely come with a significant price tag. However, if reports indicate that the defender is keen on a move, Liverpool could emerge as a potential suitor for the talented star.
More Liverpool news
- Liverpool can take a book out of Hellas Verona’s book to complete Atalanta comeback
- Liverpool ace gives his verdict on expectations as Klopp nears exit door
- Liverpool set to rival Arsenal for Bundesliga defender with 39 appearances this season
The decision could ultimately rest in the hands of the incoming manager, as Jurgen Klopp is set to depart Anfield at the end of the season. Todibo could undoubtedly be a valuable addition to the Reds’ squad, potentially becoming a cornerstone of the post-Klopp era at Liverpool.
