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Man Utd target's career was almost ended after being hit by car and put in coma
Manchester United target Jean-Clair Todibo's career was nearly over long before it had started.
Jean-Clair Todibo could be a Manchester United player next season but he might have had no football career at all after he was struck by a car as a child. The defender was nine when he was left with “multiple injuries” in an incident aged nine.
Todibo, who plays for INEOS-backed Nice, was on his way to judo practice with his older sister when he was hit by a car. He was told that he would never play football again and that he may even have his leg amputated.
“There were lots of injuries – multiple fractures to my legs, there were fears that I might lose my leg. I was in a coma for three days,” the 24-year-old told the Daily Telegraph.
“The first question I had for the doctor was ‘Do you think I will be able to play football again?’ and he said ‘no’. He said it would be too complicated.
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“It was tough to take but I just said to myself ‘oh, he’s lying to me. I am going to prove him wrong’. I was determined to play again and two years later I was able to do so.”
United have been strongly linked with Todibo ahead of a defensive overhaul, with Raphael Varane leaving Old Trafford. Tottenham reported enquired about the centre-back in January. INEOS’s presence at both United and Nice may aid a transfer.
But Todibo has previous experience representing the Red Devils. He was on trial at Old Trafford in 2016 just as Marcus Rashford was making his breakthrough. The former Barcelona defender also spent time at Nottingham Forest.
“It was a good experience,” Todibo said of his trials in England as a teenager. “I discovered a little bit what the professional world was like.”
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Todibo, who has played twice for France, started his professional career with Toulouse, making his debut aged 18. He joined Barca in 2019 but made only four La Liga appearances in two years. Nice signed him in 2021 following a successful loan spell.
Having featured 100 times for the French side, Todibo has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders. United and Spurs are likely to be among the teams trying to sign him this summer.
INEOS are likely to oversee a major overhaul of both the playing and backroom personnel at Old Trafford this summer. A season review planned for this week is likely to see a decision made on the future of Erik ten Hag.