'Eight clubs' in hunt for Man Utd defender set to leave on free this summer

Manchester United’s veteran defender Victor Lindelof is attracting widespread interest from as many as eight clubs across Europe.

Lindelof's departure from Old Trafford is all but confirmed as his contract nears its end.

And while the centre-back has never managed to hold down a first team place in a poor United side - he is attracting plenty of attention as a free agent.

Since joining Manchester United from Benfica in 2017 for an initial €35 million (£31 million), Lindelof has amassed over 270 appearances, winning an FA Cup and League Cup.

The 30-year-old has seen multiple managers come and go, including Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Erik ten Hag.

However, his role has diminished in recent years, with just 11 appearances in all competitions this season, including a one-minute cameo in a win over Ipswich Town and 67 minutes off the bench in an FA Cup defeat to Fulham, where he missed a crucial penalty in a 4-3 shootout loss.

Lindelof’s contract, set to expire in June 2025, will not be extended, as United shift focus to younger talents like 18-year-old Ayden Heaven, who is expected to take on greater responsibility next season.

Alongside fellow veteran Jonny Evans, whose contract also ends this summer, Lindelof is part of a broader clear-out at Old Trafford, with Amorim aiming to reshape the squad to fit his preferred 3-4-2-1 system.

The Swede’s suitability for a back four or left-back role, rather than Amorim’s back-three setup, and his limited attacking contributions as a potential wing-back, have sealed his fate, despite his consistent performances over the years.

A Frenzied Eight-Club Race

The prospect of signing Lindelof on a free transfer has ignited a remarkable transfer battle, with eight clubs reportedly vying for his services.

In the Premier League, Everton, Wolves, West Ham, and Fulham are keen to keep Lindelof in England, drawn by his experience and familiarity with the league.

Everton see him as a potential replacement for a departing centre-back, while Wolves and Fulham view him as a cost-effective addition to bolster their defenses. West Ham, under Julen Lopetegui, are also in the race, valuing Lindelof’s versatility to play across the backline.

Across Europe, Lindelof’s former club Benfica is eager for a reunion, offering the chance to return to Portugal, where he made his professional breakthrough.

In Italy, Juventus and Inter Milan are monitoring the situation, with both clubs seeking defensive depth for their Serie A campaigns. An eighth club, unnamed in reports from CaughtOffside, adds further intrigue to the competition, though speculation points to a possible Saudi Pro League side given the region’s interest in aging Premier League stars.

Lindelof’s preference, according to TeamTalk, is to remain in the Premier League, where he has spent nearly a decade and adapted to the league’s demands.

His 64 caps for Sweden and experience in high-stakes matches, including United’s 2017 Europa League triumph, make him an attractive option for mid-table clubs looking to add leadership and stability.

However, the allure of a return to Benfica or a new challenge in Italy could sway him, particularly if Champions League football is on offer.

Lindelof’s imminent departure is part of a broader exodus at Manchester United, with Amorim overseeing a ruthless squad refresh.

Alongside Lindelof and Evans, midfielder Christian Eriksen and goalkeeper Tom Heaton are also expected to leave as free agents, while high-profile stars like Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Antony, and Rasmus Hojlund have been transfer-listed to fund new signings.

United’s interest in Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio, a 23-year-old centre-back, and Barcelona’s Marc Casado reflects Amorim’s focus on younger, dynamic players suited to his tactical vision.

The club’s financial constraints, governed by the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), necessitate player sales to support ambitious targets like Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

A potential Europa League triumph, with United facing Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, could inject up to £100 million, easing PSR pressures.

However, their 14th-place Premier League standing risks a £24 million loss in merit payments, underscoring the need for cost-effective moves like promoting Heaven over retaining veterans like Lindelof.

Lindelof’s versatility, experience, and free-agent status make him a rare commodity in the transfer market, and the interest from eight clubs reflects his enduring appeal.

Everton’s need for a dependable centre-back aligns with their defensive priorities, while Wolves and Fulham could benefit from his composure in possession.

West Ham’s interest suggests a potential role as a squad player, but Benfica’s emotional pull and the prestige of Juventus or Inter could tempt Lindelof to explore new horizons.

The unnamed eighth club adds an element of unpredictability, with Saudi clubs or other European sides potentially entering the fray.

Critically, the scale of interest raises questions about United’s decision to let Lindelof go, especially given his reliability compared to younger defenders like Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, who have yet to fully adapt.

However, Amorim’s commitment to a long-term vision, prioritizing players like Heaven and Inacio, suggests a strategic shift over sentimentality.

Posts on X highlight mixed fan sentiment, with some United supporters lamenting the loss of “Mr. Consistent” and others backing Amorim’s youth-first approach, citing Lindelof’s limited impact in big games.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Lindelof faces a career-defining choice. Staying in the Premier League offers familiarity, but a return to Benfica or a move to Serie A could provide a fresh challenge.

With eight clubs in the race, Lindelof’s next move promises to be one of the most intriguing transfer stories of 2025, marking the end of an era at Old Trafford and the start of a new chapter for the Swedish defender.