Lindelof heading to United
LONDON — Manchester United has agreed to pay an undisclosed fee for Benfica’s Swedish international defender Victor Lindelof, the Premier League club announced on Saturday.
The 22-year-old now has to agree on personal terms and pass a medical, but United is optimistic of making him its first major signing of the close season.
Manager Jose Mourinho is keen to strengthen his squad in several areas , including defense, after qualifying for next season’s Champions League by winning the Europa League last month.
“Manchester United is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement with Benfica for the transfer of Victor Lindelof, subject to a medical examination, international clearance and personal terms,” said a statement on the club’s website.
“A further announcement will be made once the transfer is complete.”
Lindelof has long been linked with a move to United but he remained tight-lipped about a possible shift ahead of Friday’s 2-1 win for Sweden over France in Stockholm, saying he had a contract at Benfica he intended to honor.
That all changed less than 24 hours later as Manchester United announced his impeding signing.
Lindelof cut his teeth as a teenager in the tough surroundings of Sweden’s third tier at Vasteras SK, a small club based a little over 100 km outside Stockholm, where he made his senior debut in 2010.
A year later the club was promoted to Sweden’s second tier and in 26 starts and one substitute appearance Lindelof caught the eye of Benfica, signing a five-year deal with its B team in December 2011 and joining the senior squad in the summer of 2012.
“I practice the free kicks every day in training,” said the Celtic striker, who had never previously scored for his country.
“It’s not often they come off. It’s special. This could end up being a big point for us.
“On our day we can match anybody. We know how good this England side is, but we have four games left and we could win all of them.”