Schalke say likelihood of signing Jean-Clair Todibo ‘has decreased’

Schalke head of sports Jochen Schneider has admitted the likelihood of the club signing Jean-Clair Todibo permanently from Barcelona has decreased due to the coronavirus crisis.

The defender moved to the Bundesliga side in January on loan until the end of the season, but the deal includes an option to buy for €25 million plus €5 million in add-ons.

However, Schneider admitted the coronavirus pandemic will have a big financial impact on Schalke and in particular their ability to sign Todibo permanently.

“You don’t have to be a prophet to say that the likelihood has decreased as a result of the current crisis,” he said.

Source | Kicker

Schneider’s words are likely to please many Barcelona fans who were frustrated at the Todibo deal, but it’s also possible he could still stay at Schalke.

Kicker report the club and Barcelona could “agree to a new loan” which would also include another purchase option.

Schneider gave little away about Todibo’s future, adding only: “It is also important to take FC Barcelona’s plans into account.”