Man Utd learn final decision on Jean-Clair Todibo transfer after UEFA ruling
- Man Utd had been keen to sign Nice centre-back Todibo
- UEFA blocked the move citing issues with multi-club ownership rules
- A fresh ruling allowed both teams to compete in the Europa League next season
By Tom Gott
Manchester United remain unable to sign Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo this summer despite UEFA's recent ruling on INEOS' ownership of the two clubs.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently voiced his frustration towards UEFA's refusal to authorise Todibo's proposed switch to United, with the governing body concerned that the deal would breach rules on multi-club ownership.
Clubs are not permitted to do business with each other, or play in the same European competition, if they are deemed to be controlled by the same single entity.
Ratcliffe & INEOS made sufficient changes to their ownership of Nice to satisfy UEFA that they were no longer controlling the shots at Nice but, while that was enough to seal both clubs' entry into the Europa League next season, it does not mean United can sign Todibo this summer.
As part of UEFA's investigation, INEOS committed to not pursuing transfers between Nice and United "whether permanently or on loan, directly or indirectly, from July 2024 until September 2025, with the exception of pre-existing transfer agreements that had been entered into before the opening of the CFCB proceedings."
United and Nice are also not permitted to share any commercial agreements or scouting databases until September 2025.
Todibo could still find himself in the Premier League next season, however, with West Ham United reported to be interested in his signature.
While this ruling also impacts Manchester City, whose owners City Football Group (CFG) have reduced their control of Girona to allow both sides to play in the Champions League next season, it does not prevent them from signing winger Savio.
Savio spent last season on loan with Girona but is actually owned by another CFG club - French outfit Troyes. Given the winger's proposed move to City was agreed well before UEFA's investigation, that move will not be blocked.