Southampton and Watford now seem set to miss out on a possible signature of Barcelona and France Under-20s defender Jean-Clair Todibo, as per Gianluca di Marzio.
Serie A giants AC Milan are in talks with the Catalans for Todibo now, with the Rossoneri discussing an initial loan deal for January with the obligation to buy in the summer. Barcelona though, are also keen on adding a buyback clause in a potential deal.
Ernesto Valverde’s side are looking to make sure that the Diavolo’s obligation to buy is at around €25million (£21 million).
Southampton fans: Disappointed to miss out on Todibo?
Gutted about it!
Not the end of the world
The Saints, along with Watford, were linked with a move for the former Toulouse man last week. ESPN claimed that Southampton ‘knocked on Barcelona’s door’ to enquire about Todibo.
A victim of poor transfer planning
Todibo had joined Barcelona from Toulouse in January of 2019 and while he was expected to join up with the side in the summer of 2019, the Catalans brought the deal forward for last winter.
Since joining, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the youngster. The 19-year-old has played only five times in all competitions for the club since joining. This season, he has played only three times and started Barcelona’s recent Champions League game against Southampton.
Before arriving at the Nou Camp, Todibo had impressed at Toulouse. That was his first professional campaign at the club. He played ten times in all competitions for them last season, scoring once and assisting once as well while playing at centre-back.
TIF Tactics
Southampton need defensive additions in January. Todibo’s performance against Inter was immense and it was a reflection of just what the Saints need. He won as many as eight tackles in the game, winning three aerial duels. He also completed two dribbles in the game.
That is the sort of defender Southampton need. They have the worst defensive record in the Premier League this season, conceding as many as 36 goals in the current campaign. If Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men are to survive relegation, getting a top centre-back will be a priority. The 9-0 defeat to Leicester City was a clear reflection of those issues at the back.
The club has scored 18 goals in total and 50 percent of those have been scored by Danny Ings. That shows that they are over reliant on Ings. And the defence needs to take responsibility by shutting the door more often than they currently are.