Early in the January transfer window, Barcelona had announced an agreement to sign Jean-Clair Todibo of Toulouse on a free transfer at the end of the season. However, on the last day of the month, they changed their minds and brought the 19-year-old defender in straight away.
Sporting director Eric Abidal explained the reasoning behind the decision to move the transfer forward despite the cost that was unavoidable under such circumstances. Apparently, Todibo was completely brushed aside at Toulouse, with the French club adamant not to give a player certain to depart any game-time, but rather to focus on those whose futures lie with them.
This development caused concern at the Catalan club as they don’t want their new signing to fall in terms of competitive form, and they therefore decided to step in and take Todibo to Camp Nou immediately. According to reports in Spanish media (as relayed by Sky Sports), he has signed a four and a half year deal which includes a €150 million buyout clause, while Toulouse are due €3 million for letting him go before his contract expires, including add-ons.
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