On the evening of Saturday, the 10th of June, Manchester United announced the signing of Swedish defender Victor Lindelof from Benfica, subject to personal terms and a medical. Manchester United took to the official website to confirm an agreement between the two clubs. The official statement read:
“Manchester United is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement with Benfica for the transfer of Victor Lindelof, subject to a medical examination, international clearance and personal terms. A further announcement will be made once the transfer is complete”
While the club is yet to disclose at what fee the signing is being made, sources at Sky Sports understand that the figure agreed for Lindelof is €35m (£30.7m).
Standing at 6ft 2in, Victor Lindelof is knowing for possessing the technical ability and pace of playing at centre back as well as right back. The 22-year old has been an exciting prospect for his International team as well as Benfica over the last few years and earned his place in the starting eleven of both the sides. After signing doe Manchester United, fans and pundits alike have all commented on the similarities between his playing styles with United legend Rio Ferdinand’s. With Bailly’s style of play being reminiscent to Ferdinand’s infamous defensive partner, Nemanja Vidic, it is safe to say that United fans won’t be far from hoping for a partnership to form between Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof.
Portugese reports are now suggesting that, after a failed pursuit in January this year, Mourinho continued to have his scouts watch Lindelof for the rest of the season, and hence is understood to be impressed with his agility and strength, along with his play on the ball.
Back in October, fellow Swedish player and now a former Manchester United player Zlatan Ibrahimovic complimented Lindelof’s abilities and his performances for both, club and country. Talking to a news media outlet he said,
“I think Victor is doing great things, he is playing good for Benfica, he gets a lot of responsibility for the national team now, he is growing.
“Is he good enough for United? I think he’s good enough for the big clubs out there. It’s up to him what he wants. Whatever he chooses will be good for him. I know he is hot on the market so let him make the right choice, what fits him good.”
Having said that, Sky Sports have also confirmed that once the deal is done and the Lindelof is purchased, Manchester United will no longer be looking for another Centre Back in the market. Apparently, Mourinho is in the course of last three months handed over a four-man central defender shortlist to Ed Woodward. The list consisted of Victor Lindelof, Virgil Van Dijk, Michael Keane and possibly Raphael Varane. However, with Lindelof’s purchase official, it looks like Mourinho will be concentrating on improving other departments in the team.
Benfica on a selling-spree.
Benfica have sold some incredible players in the past. (Image: 101 Great Goals)
After the selling of Victor Lindelof to Manchester United for a reported €35 million deal, it will be SL Benfica’s 2nd player sold in 3 days. Prior to Lindelof, Benfica struck a €40 million deal with Manchester City for the sale of Brazilian keeper Ederson Moraes. Not only that their up and coming right back and youth product Nelson Semedo has been linked to move away from the club to FC Barcelona over the last few month. Having introduced the likes of Angel di Maria, David Luiz, Renato Sanches, Nikolas Gaitan and Nemanja Matic to Europe, Benfica are not shy of selling their players in order to gain profit and build a better team.