Manchester United have been **blocked** from signing one of their top transfer targets this summer.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United, under INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s leadership, are planning significant changes to their squad. A centre-back is a high priority following Raphael Varane’s departure when his contract expires this summer.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is one of Manchester United’s primary targets, despite the club’s ‘disrespectful’ opening bid. Additionally, the Red Devils are monitoring Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester United’s pursuit of Todibo has been halted due to UEFA regulations. Since INEOS controls both Nice and Manchester United, UEFA rules prohibit transactions between clubs participating in the same European competition next season, with both teams qualifying for the Europa League.
Romano tweeted: “Jean-Clair Todibo deal for Man United is currently off and highly unlikely due to UEFA rules. Talks were advanced with all parties keen for months but Nice and Man Utd with same ownership playing same European competition next season means no green light.”
This UEFA intervention has frustrated Manchester United fans, who pointed to Manchester City’s transfer of Savio, who was on loan at Girona, a club part-owned by City.
Mark Goldbridge tweeted: “How are City able to do it then?”
Another fan tweeted: “It’s fine if Oil City FC do it with Girona but we can’t?? Cool. 116 charges then.”
A third added: “How does that work? Savio joined city lol.”
The 20-year-old Brazilian, however, is originally from Ligue 2 side Troyes, also part of the City Football Group, which allowed the deal to proceed.Manchester United’s efforts to sign Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice have hit a significant roadblock due to UEFA regulations. The issue stems from the fact that both clubs are controlled by INEOS and are set to compete in the same European competition next season, the Europa League. UEFA rules prevent transactions between clubs with the same ownership if they participate in the same competition, which has put an end to the potential transfer of Todibo to Manchester United.
This regulation has sparked frustration among Manchester United fans, particularly when comparing their situation to Manchester City. City was able to facilitate a transfer involving Savio, who moved to City from Troyes, another club within the City Football Group. However, the difference in these situations is that Troyes is not competing in the same European competition, allowing that deal to bypass the UEFA rule that is currently hindering United’s plans.
