Victor Lindelof From Manchester United Comments On Rumors Regarding His Departure From Saudi Arabia
Victor Lindelof From Manchester United Comments On Rumors Regarding His Departure From Saudi Arabia
Victor Lindelof of Manchester United has dismissed rumors linking him with a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer. Despite ongoing speculation about his future, the 29-year-old defender has struggled to secure a regular starting position under head coach Erik ten Hag since the Dutchman’s arrival.
Although Manchester United invoked a one-year extension in his contract in January, ensuring Lindelof’s stay at the club until the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, uncertainties persist regarding his long-term career trajectory.
In the absence of a definitive agreement on a contract extension, Manchester United may consider offers for the center-back in the upcoming transfer window to avoid the risk of losing him for free next year.
Currently away with the Sweden national team ahead of their upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Albania, Lindelof was questioned by Fotbollskanalen about the possibility of joining the Saudi Pro League transformation.
Nevertheless, the former Benfica player expressed his desire to continue contending for titles in Europe, stating, “I haven’t really considered it. Perhaps I don’t feel ready in my career to make a move elsewhere. I feel inclined to remain in Europe and compete at that level.”
Despite downplaying any potential move to Saudi Arabia, Lindelof’s remarks provide encouragement to European clubs interested in his services. He is reportedly on the radar of several teams as the summer transfer window approaches.
AC Milan and Sevilla are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, and Manchester United is unlikely to impede Lindelof’s departure if a suitable offer is presented.
The Swedish international joined Manchester United from Benfica in 2017 for a fee just under £30 million. Since then, he has amassed 257 appearances for the club across all competitions, contributing four goals and seven assists.
During the 2023-24 season, Lindelof has recorded one goal and one assist from 28 matches. He has started 13 Premier League games, including the last three as a left-back due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
While Lindelof’s adaptability has proven valuable this month, the Scandinavian may be among several center-backs departing Old Trafford this summer, alongside Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans.
Both Varane and Evans have contracts expiring at the end of the season. Manchester United chose not to activate a 12-month extension clause in Varane’s contract, unlike the decision to prolong Lindelof’s tenure.
Additionally, West Ham United is reportedly gearing up to revive their interest in Harry Maguire. They previously attempted to secure his signature in the recent summer window, but Maguire experienced a resurgence under Ten Hag at Manchester United.
Manchester United’s primary center-back target this summer is believed to be Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. However, there have also been speculations about potential moves for Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich, Ronald Araujo from Barcelona, Leny Yoro from Lille, Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice, and Antonio Silva from Benfica.
Currently, the Red Devils occupy sixth place in the Premier League table, trailing the top four by nine points with a game in hand on Aston Villa. They are set to face Brentford away on March 30 in their next fixture.
