The toughest (and most mature) decision of Jean-Clair Todibo's life
"I don't want to renew my deal, my dream is to play for Barcelona"
The decision. It wasn't a media-hyped as Griezmann's in the summer (via Pique's documentary) but it was important for a player of just 19 years of age. We will see with the passing of time if it will also prove important for Barcelona. After making his Toulouse debut against Bordeaux last August, Jean-Clair Todibo shone in a string of performances for the French club. Still on a youth contract, he stood out for his maturity, power and determination. Still, just a teenager.
Such was his evolution that Toulouse quickly put pressure on to extend his contract (and sign his first professional deal in the process) against the fanger of bigger clubs circling. The Ligue 1 club quickly got to work and offers were made to his representatives. They were said to be "unimaginable keeping in mind the renewal policies when it comes to kids signing their first professional terms," according to club president Jean-François Soucasse.
TODIBO: NO DOUBTS
SPORT have learned that Todibo's agents explained the situation to him: that if he didn't sign a new deal (offers were now arriving from big clubs) Toulouse would surely decide to stop playing him and he would spend some time without competing. "He's one of the most mature kids I have seen in the world of football for his age. We explained the whole situation and he himself, 18 at the time, decided to not accept the offer and wait for a good offer from a big club despite knowing he could spend months without playing, which is what a kid of that age wants most of all," his entourage told SPORT.
Barça had already transmitted their interest to his agents. Ramón Planes and Eric Abidal, with a wealth of knowledge of the French market, had the situation under control. When Barça appeared, there were no doubts. Todibo's desire was to play for the Catalans.
We're talking about a player with room to improve, but with a lot of determination and great ball skills. He's always played in midfield and it wasn't until the beginning of this season when his coach, Alain Casanova, decided to play him as a central defender (with big results). "Jean-Clair has everything needed to perform [at Barça], but obviously the club is another size and the competition is much bigger," he entourage added.
Todibo, removed from the first team since the beginning of November, trains with the U19 team, while also doing special work to maintain his fitness levels.
