The transfer of Jean-Clair Todibo from Manchester United is stopped by UEFA’s ownership rules

Manchester United’s plans to strengthen their defense have been dealt a significant blow as the club’s deal to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo this summer is on hold according to Fabrizio Romano. The issue arises from UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations, which prohibit any organization or individual from having “decisive influence” over the operations of more than one club playing in the same competition.

Having recently joined Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS owns both Nice and a 27.7% stake in Manchester United. Both clubs have qualified for the Europa League and are now awaiting a decision from an independent commission on whether they can participate in the competition next season under UEFA rules or not. Clubs had until June 3 to provide UEFA with evidence demonstrating compliance with the regulations.

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Todibo, who has had a solid season for Nice, has long been under the radar as a potential transfer target for Manchester United, who need to develop their defense after a season in which they conceded goal after goal in the Premier League. With Raphael Varane leaving on a free and Victor Lindelof also reported for a move to Fenerbahçe for more playing time, United may need to sign two more defenders. However, UEFA’s recent guidelines on multi-club ownership, issued on 14 May by Sunil Gulati, chairman of the first chamber of UEFA’s club financial control body, explicitly warned against player transfers between clubs under the same ownership then when both are in the same competition.

If Ratcliffe and INEOS prove to have a “decisive influence” on both clubs, Manchester United could face relegation to the Conference League due to finishing eighth in the Premier League as Nice finished fifth in Ligue 1. Manchester United have made their case to UEFA on how they can resolve the matter and a decision is expected to follow, but the decision significantly complicates United’s transfer plans, with Todibo’s contract now on hold.

According to reports, talks have been advanced with all interested parties for months, but Nice and Manchester United, under the same ownership, playing in the same European competition next season means the deal is done. Nice are expected to look for other potential suitors for their towering defender, who has had a brilliant season in Ligue 1.

Manchester United are already in the market for other defenders, with Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs de Ligt in the news for a potential move. It remains to be seen how the transfer window shapes up for Manchester United, who are gearing up for a season to come out on top after a disappointing season in which they finished eighth in the league and crashed out of the Champions League group stage.

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