Schalke grabbed a head start with its good relationship with Barcelona. Todibo was seen by a fan at Düsseldorf airport on Sunday night and he was met by Mariotti, Schalke's staff member in charge of looking after the new player.
But Sky says Barca have not agreed a buyout clause and Todibo is still heading back to the Nou Camp, where AC Milan failed to land Todibo because Barca and the player himself were unwilling to accept a buyout clause. It's hard to imagine them changing their attitude when they face Schalke.
Schalke sports director Schneider said, "I am optimistic that this transfer can be finalized in the near future." He declined to give specific details of the contract and whether there is a buyout clause.
(kran)