Benfica set to complete the signing of Barcelona defender Todibo

Benfica have agreed a deal with Barcelona to bring in Jean-Clair Todibo on an initial season-long loan with the option to make the deal permanent.

Benfica are expected to pay around 2 million euros for the loan, while they will then have the option to sign Todibo permanently for 20 million euros.

The 20-year old has been linked with a move to the English Premier League, but it is Benfica that are to complete the signing of the French youth international.

Benfica have been keen to bring in another defensive option, particularly after the departure of Ruben Dias to Manchester City for an initial 68 million euros.

Though Otamendi arrived at Benfica as part of the deal that saw Dias go the other way, Jorge Jesus wants more defensive options to provide additional competition for Otamendi - who had a difficult first game in a Benfica shirt at the weekend - to go with Vertonghen, Ferro and Jardel.

Todibo spent the second half of last season out on loan at Bundesliga outfit Schalke, though game time was hard to come by, with Todibo playing just 362 league minutes for the German club.

He has also already garnered Champions League experience, having played the full 90 minutes of Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Inter Milan last season.

Todibo. Photo author: Pedro Semitiel. License link.