Manchester United intend to trigger the one-year extension in the contract of Victor Lindelof to boost his market value amid growing interest.
According to the Daily Star, Manchester United are keen on extending the contract of Victor Lindelof at Old Trafford. The club are intent on triggering the one-year option in the Swede’s deal to boost his market value amid growing interest in the defender.
Victor Lindelof has never managed to cement his place in this Manchester United side since his €35 million move from Benfica in 2017. The Swedish defender has always been next in line to deputise for one of the first-choice centre-backs. He has generally played well over the years under different managers.
This season, he has been a bit fortunate with the problems for Manchester United at the back. Injuries to Raphael Varane earlier and now to Lisandro Martinez have allowed the €35 million defender to maintain a starting position for an extended period.
Had Erik ten Hag spent money on signing new defenders during the window, the Swede would have either left or fallen well behind in the pecking order. His performances have not been convincing, but he still makes himself a handy option for whenever he has needed to deputise.
Nine appearances in all competitions this season have brought him back into the limelight. Juventus are one of the teams interested in the defender for his highly productive style and his price tag. Lindelof’s original deal expires next summer, which allows clubs to start negotiating with him in January itself.
Rennes are also keeping tabs along with Serie A giants AC Milan and potentially other clubs across Europe or England. Manchester United are aware of the interest and have decided to start the process of extending the Swede’s deal at the club.
Reports in June suggested Manchester United wanted to open talks over a new contract. Those ideas have since died down, and now the club are only keen on triggering an extension in the €35 million defender’s contract.
The idea of extending his deal until 2025 will boost his market value. The report states Manchester United will look at €15-20 million for the centre-back. It is a good move to protect one of their assets, as the club are confident of getting decent fees for the Swede either in January or next summer.
It also protects Manchester United from Lindelof talking to foreign clubs in January. The Red Devils may not have the interest to keep him on for the long term future, with ten Hag likely to reinvest funds from a sale into shoring up his backline.
