German side Schalke will be watching on from the side as the likes of Tottenham chase Jean Clair-Todibo in January, wondering how a ‘flop’ for them became so highly sought-after.
That’s according to Dorstener Zeitung, who explain how there is some level of bemusement going on at Schalke at the developing race for the Frenchman’s signature.
They cover Todibo today as part of an ongoing series looking at what former Schalke players are now up to, and it is the defender’s turn on the pass.
His story is one of the ‘surprising things’ to have come out of the series as they’ve discovered he is ‘developing splendidly’ away from the club and could now be set for a big move to the Premier League despite being a ‘transfer flop’ in Germany.
For context, Todibo spent the second half of the 2020/21 season with Schalke on loan from Barcelona, paying €1.5m to secure “one of the greatest defensive talents in Europe” at the time.
That was something they never saw personally, though, as Todibo ‘could only hint’ at his qualities at Schalke and actually ‘caused the Roya Blues difficulties’ with his ‘youthful recklessness’ at the time.
They elected not to sign him permanently and he returned to Barcelona, who quickly moved him on to OGC Nice as they trimmed the squad and balanced the books.
Todibo has not looked back since and is now ‘one of the most sought-after defenders’ in Europe thanks to his performances in France, with recent reports indicating Tottenham have already started discussions with his agent over a move.
He’s reportedly at the top of their wish list, while Borussia Dortmund are also believed to be keen and eyeing up a deal.
His market value has also risen to €35m according to sites like Transfermarkt, while Tottenham are said to be offering €45m, both numbers that further stick in the craw for Schalke as it means he’s valued higher than their entire squad at around €30m.
They’re very much looking on and wondering where they went wrong, having undoubtedly failed to spot Todibo’s talent and ultimately missing out on a major payday as a result.
