Manchester United are reportedly keen to cut ties with 30-year-old Swedish defender Victor Lindelof this summer.
Manchester United are eager to finalise the sale of centre-back Victor Lindelof before the transfer window closes on August 30, according to Football Insider. After an active summer of signings, the Red Devils are now focusing on reducing their squad size, and Lindelof, who has fallen out of favour under manager Erik ten Hag, is at the top of the list of players deemed surplus to requirements.
The Victor Lindelof situation
Lindelof, now 30, has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form, leading to a diminished role at Old Trafford. His last contract extension, signed in January, has left him with just 12 months remaining on his current deal, making this summer a crucial period for Manchester United to recoup some value before he can leave on a free transfer.
The Swedish international missed significant portions of the previous season due to groin and hamstring issues, which limited him to just 28 appearances across all competitions. The arrival of new defensive signings Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro has further marginalised Lindelof’s position within the squad.
With these fresh additions, Erik ten Hag has a wealth of options at centre-back, pushing Lindelof further down the pecking order. The Swedish defender was absent from Manchester United’s recent 1-0 victory over Fulham, where Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans formed the starting centre-back partnership, while de Ligt made an appearance from the bench.
From a mainstay to a peripheral figure
Lindelof’s fall from favour is a stark contrast to his earlier years at Manchester United, where he was a regular starter following his move from Benfica in 2017. Over his seven-year tenure at the club, Lindelof has made 259 appearances, becoming a familiar figure in Manchester United’s defence. However, with his contract winding down and new talent emerging, the time has come for both the player and the club to part ways.
The efforts to offload Lindelof are part of an effort to streamline the squad after a busy transfer window. Facundo Pellistri is already on the verge of completing a permanent move to Greek side Panathinaikos, and it is expected that he will be the first of several players to depart Old Trafford before the summer deadline.
As the transfer window draws to a close, Manchester United are working diligently to secure exits for players like Lindelof, who no longer fit into Erik ten Hag’s plans. This approach not only helps to reduce the wage bill but also clears space for potential late additions that could further strengthen the squad.
While his tenure at Old Trafford has seen its share of ups and downs, both Lindelof and Manchester United seem ready for a fresh start. There is no better time for that than today for the seven-season veteran.
