Highly-coveted Jean-Clair Todibo ready to be taken out of his comfort zone

Jean-Clair Todibo’s career began with a failure, however, he hasn’t allowed himself to be defined by that tumultuous spell at Barcelona. At OGC Nice, he is in his “comfort zone”, however, with considerable Premier League interest in the France international, he may soon be pried away from his safe space. However, unlike when he left Toulouse FC as a teenager, he is now primed to succeed when the seemingly inevitable Ligue 1 departure takes form.

Todibo’s Barcelona move undoubtedly came too soon. The prophecy of solidifying his place in the Catalan defence was not realised, and instead, the unpolished diamond was consigned to a nomadic existence. Having struggled at Schalke and then Benfica, the Frenchman was in dire need of stability. He found that at Nice.

Back in France, Todibo has rebuilt a career that was left in tatters. Firstly on loan and then on a permanent deal, Todibo has now gone on to make 117 appearances for Les Aiglons. During his three-year spell with the club, he has rebuilt his reputation and the positive career trajectory has been re-established.

Todibo’s gratitude towards Nice is evidence enough of a maturity that was sorely lacking when he made the move to Barcelona after just 10 professional appearances for Le TéFéCé. “I don’t have a short memory. I know what the club gave me when I arrived. I have the trust of a club with whom I have flourished and the possibility to perform in France,” he told L’Équipe in September. Francesco Farioli also clearly sees a leader in Todibo, electing him vice-captain upon his arrival in the summer.

Alongside Dante, a perfect mentor for a player who needed to develop mentally and tactically, Todido has made huge strides in past years. “Playing with him is great because I