Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo is set to return to the Catalan club from an unsuccessful loan stint at Benfica, according to Portuguese outlet Record.
The Lisbon team have reportedly decided to cut the Frenchman’s loan deal short. The centre-back has not played a single minute and head coach Jorge Jesús has been very clear in explaining the reason for his situation.
Todibo will return to Barcelona as Benfica no longer feel they require his services. The 22-year-old defender had been loaned out by Barcelona to give him minutes but he has not played any. As a result of the injury to several centre-backs at the LaLiga club, mainly Gerard Piqué, he could be drafted back in as a possible replacement.
Asked if he was going to have the player in mind for the Europa League game against Standard Liege on Thursday, Benfica boss Jorge Jesús made his intentions clear. “Todibo will not play against Standard. He isn’t in the right physical or tactical condition. He hasn’t worked with the team. He’s not one of the players I’m thinking about.“
Benfica want to move the defender on and Barcelona will have to assess the future of a player who needs to play for his own development. Ronald Koeman has casualties in the centre of defence, but after this failed experience at Benfica, Todibo may not have the answers.
