Victor Lindelof to Manchester United was a transfer story which started in December, very quickly hit the heights, and carried on through the January transfer window.
Just before Christmas Portuguese newspaper O Jogo claimed Lindelof to Manchester United was agreed, and the player would be receiving a huge pay rise. Similar lines of reporting followed, but it quickly became clear that it was Benfica, rather than Manchester United, trying to build a deal.
Benfica needed to sell during the January transfer window and Lindelof was the first idea, it didn’t work the club brought in money from other deals, including Goncalo Guedes moving to PSG.
Earlier this month it was claimed by more than one source in Portugal that Manchester United have some kind of right of refusal, or a gentleman’s agreement to sign Lindelof in the summer. This story isn’t going anywhere.
A few days ago Sweden’s Viasat (via Aftonbladet) spoke to Jose Mourinho about Lindelof, firstly asking how close a transfer came to happening. Mourinho said he “didn’t know” and Viasat then asked if he knew about the player: “Obviously. I know all the players in Portugal.”
Finally the Manchester United was asked if he’s been impressed by the Swedish international: “Yes, he’s a good guy.”
At the weekend Manchester United had an official watch Lindelof in action for Benfica, report O Jogo, but the defender failed to stand out. Benfica have been scouted all season by Manchester United, so it’s no surprise Mourinho is aware of the 22 year old.
Claims of a done deal will likely start appearing some time between now June-ish.
