Bharath Rammr
Benfica defender Victor Lindelof may very well have played his last game for the Portuguese club, as he was extremely happy to sign on a Manchester United jersey for one of his fans (via Daily Express). It has raised further speculation that the defender is set to join the Red Devils in January. United have been linked with Lindelof for quite a few months now. The interest has escalated in recent weeks with the club are reportedly agreeing a £38 million transfer fee for the 22-year-old (via Daily Mirror). It would represent a significant outlay for the club, which has had defensive problems for the majority of the season.
Jose Mourinho is also thought to be unhappy with players like Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw, which could result in the English duo departing Old Trafford sooner rather than later. Lindelof was part of the Benfica team that managed a 2-0 win over Rio Ave on Wednesday night. However, this will be the significant action for Benfica before they head into a winter break. As a result, it is quite possible that this game could be Lindelof’s last for the Portuguese club.
Benfica are reported to have gone to great lengths in order to ensure that Lindelof did not leave the club. He had a release clause of just over £30 million, and Benfica were ready to give him a new contract that would increase the release clause to £60 million. The player’s current contract runs out in the summer of 2020, and it seems to have been a significant factor behind the two parties agreeing a slightly higher transfer fee. United could end up paying around another £4.2 million depending on the performances of the 22-year-old at Old Trafford (via Portuguese source O Jogo).
Lindelof will be provided a great platform to settle down with his new club, as he will train with Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Players do not usually sign on other jerseys unless they are about to make a switch. Hence, this gesture from Lindelof is seen as a widespread confirmation that he may be set for a move to Old Trafford sooner rather than later. Bringing in Lindelof for this astonishing transfer fee would not only make the player one of the most expensive defenders in the world, but it will also take United’s spending for the campaign closer to £200 million.
Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer of 2013, United have spent close to £500 million on new players but the team has actually regressed on the pitch. Mourinho is the man entrusted with the job of getting United back to the top of the pile.
