Jean-Clair Todibo (24) is likely to leave OGC Nice at the end of the season. The France international is seen as a bankable asset by the Riviera club and with clubs across Europe circling, a lucrative summer transfer is in the offing.
Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester United and Liverpool were all linked with a move for Todibo in January, however, Nice slapped a steep €60m price tag on their prized asset in order to ward off interest. However, Nice won’t be looking to deter interested parties this summer, instead, they will be hoping that a bidding war ensues.
Todibo may play his final game at the Allianz Riviera as a Nice player on Wednesday when Paris Saint-Germain come to town. Ahead of that game, the Frenchman discussed his future, in a press conference, attended by Get French Football News.
How do you feel ahead of what is potentially your last match as a Nice player at the Allianz Riviera?
“I don’t approach it as though it is definitely [my final match for Nice at the Allianz Riviera]. It is potentially my final match but I don’t know what the future has in store for me. I don’t know where I will go. [Reaching the Champions League] is a personal objective because rumours have been circulating for a while that it is my final season at Nice and this [Champions League qualification] is something I want to give to the club. I want to leave having given the club the possibility of playing in this competition. The project is ambitious and has been heading in that direction for a while.”
What are the criteria for your potential future club? Do you have any league in particular in mind?
“I want to win titles and play in the best European competitions. Those are my objectives. I’d also like to go to a club that will allow me to become better, to allow me to progress on an individual level. That’s what interests me. I am open to joining any league honestly. I watch more or less every league and each one could appeal to me. I’m not fixated in terms of what league to join. Could I flourish in the Premier League? Yeah, I think so and I think I could flourish in any league. Is there a possibility that my chances correspond best with the Premier League? There is a chance, yes.”
With other French centre-backs playing for the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, etc. do you need to join an elite-level club in order to consolidate your place in the France set-up?
“It’s in my head. Going to those kinds of clubs allows you to play in the best European competitions. That’s a reality but I am already in the running so it’s not necessarily true. Playing in those European competitions allows you to be seen more and that gives you more guarantees for the France national team. That’s why leaving is in my mind. I think I can go anywhere.”
