Everton and Fiorentina will reportedly compete in a three-way battle to complete a Bosman move for 31-year-old Swedish defender Victor Lindelof this summer.
According to an update by reputed Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Everton and Fiorentina are keen on signing Victor Lindelof. The veteran Swedish defender has been a free agent since leaving Manchester United as a free agent several weeks ago. Meanwhile, the former SL Benfica centre-back is also a target for Brentford, and he may return to the Premier League soon.
Victor Lindelof at a crossroads
Victor Lindelof endured a topsy-turvy ride after joining Manchester United from SL Benfica in a deal worth £31 million in July 2017. The Swede enjoyed periods when he was an undisputed first-choice centre-back for the struggling Premier League giants, forging formidable partnerships with Eric Bailly and Harry Maguire.
However, fitness issues plagued the 31-year-old in the last few seasons, and his stock steadily dropped at Old Trafford. That meant reduced game time, and Lindelof barely featured for Manchester United in the 2024/25 season. The veteran defender turned out nearly 300 times for Manchester United while chipping in with four goals and seven assists.
However, Lindelof’s long association with Manchester United ended several weeks ago, as he has become a free agent. The Red Devils did not offer the Swedish international a new deal, and he has departed from Old Trafford. However, he has no shortage of suitors, with Everton and Fiorentina among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
A man in demand
Victor Lindelof has been on Everton’s radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, considering Jarrad Branthwaite is on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury. So, the former Manchester United defender can arrive as an instant solution at the heart of the defence before hoping to share game time with James Tarkowski.
As for Fiorentina, La Viola will aim to sign a centre-back before the summer transfer window shuts down, even though Stefano Pioli has a stacked central defensive unit in his squad. So, the Swede has emerged as a target for the Serie A club.
Apart from Everton and Fiorentina, Brentford will also aim to secure Lindelof’s services in the summer transfer window. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 31-year-old Swedish defender after leaving Manchester United as a free agent.
