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Watford signing this 19-year-old struggling for La Liga giants would be a beacon of hope

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Why Watford should go all out to sign Jean-Clair Todibo in January

Back in June, the Sport had claimed that Watford were interested in signing Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo. However, a deal didn’t go through during the past summer transfer window and he has since stayed put at the Catalan club.

It’s been a difficult time for Jean-Clair Todibo since his arrival at Barcelona from Toulouse in January in terms of struggling for minutes, as he made just two appearances in the second half of last season.

The 19-year-old has made just three appearances so far this campaign, but he did impress against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

With Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti all ahead of him in the pecking order at Barcelona, it’s difficult to see Todibo’s current situation changing any time soon.

Perhaps an exit in the New Year would make sense for all concerned. Keeping that in mind, Watford should reignite their interest in the defender when the transfer window restarts next month.

Barcelona's French defender Jean-Clair Todibo (L) vies with SD Huesca's Spanish forward David Ferreiro during the Spanish league football match between SD Huesca and FC Barcelona at the El Alcoraz stadium in Huesca on April 13, 2019. (Getty Images)
Barcelona’s French defender Jean-Clair Todibo (L) vies with SD Huesca’s Spanish forward David Ferreiro during the Spanish league football match between SD Huesca and FC Barcelona at the El Alcoraz stadium in Huesca on April 13, 2019. (Getty Images)

Newly-appointed Nigel Pearson faces an uphill task to save Watford from the jaws of top-flight relegation. Though the Hornets sit rock bottom in the Premier League table, Pearson has no choice but to at least light a fire under a squad that seems to have little confidence.

Pearson, the architect of Leicester City’s great escape back in 2014-15, will need to bring in reinforcements next month to have slightest of chances to avoid relegation from the top-flight. And defensive reinforcements are an absolute must, given that Watford have the third-worst defensive record in the division.

With 32 goals conceded in 17 games and none of the defenders consistently delivering the goods, Pearson needs to pump in fresh blood into his squad. And a young, talented defender like Jean-Clair Todibo could make a difference at Vicarage Road.

Watford players look dejected after their 8-0 defeat in the Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford FC at Etihad Stadium. (Getty Images)
Watford players look dejected after their 8-0 defeat in the Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford FC at Etihad Stadium. (Getty Images)

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Soon to turn 20, it would be a massive task for Todibo to help Watford but the defender possesses the qualities to thrive under Pearson. The Frenchman hasn’t been able to showcase his talent at Barcelona on a regular basis, understandably due to the presence of three experienced defenders.

However, a move to the Hornets would allow him to get regular game time and opportunities to express himself.

Verdict

Todibo is a top talent and will no doubt benefit from a more prominent role elsewhere rather being a benchwarmer at Barcelona. Hence, Watford must make sure they sign the teenager to solve their defensive woes.