The January transfer window is fast approaching and Middlesbrough are once again linked with their former target Victor Lindelof with reports suggesting that Boro scouts were in the attendance at the Stadium of Light on Sunday where Benfica beat Feirense 4-0.
The Swedish defensive midfielder (who can also play as a centre-back) has been a hot prospect for many European clubs with even Manchester United linked with the 22-year-old this summer for a sum of 20.5 million pounds.
Boro had come very close to bringing the player to Premier League but were unlucky to miss out on him. Boro reportedly had submitted a bid last season, which would involve a loan move until the end of the season with an option for a permanent deal in the summer at a fee in the region of 3 million pounds plus various add-ons. But the move was ruled right at the last moment with an injury to Lisandro Lopez that led him to stay and get a chance in the first team.
The midfielder has made 13 appearances for the Portuguese club this season. At a good 187 cm, the Swede would be a very good addition in the Boro side, who could provide a better balance to the side. Considering United have the likes of Paul Pogba, Andre Herrera, Morgan Schneiderlin and Marouane Fellaini in the central and defensive midfield position, Boro hopefully would not have to compete the Red Devils for their old target this time.
Lindelof’s brilliant passing makes him such a valuable asset for any side. His ability to pick players up front from the deep lying midfield position could be a helpful skill to have in the English Premier League, who usually put tall and strong forwards, who would chest down balls from the back facing backwards to the goal.
Boro are not a new admirer of the midfielder. The versatile central midfielder has been on Boro’s radar since he was 16-years-old. He had some brilliant performances in Swedish lower league football before he moved to Benfica’s Academy. Boro have since watched him progress through the Benfica B team.
If the Swedish does move to Boro, he would have to compete with the likes of Adam Clayton and Marten De Roon for a regular start to the side but since Boro have been so persistent on him, Boro boss Karanka seems to be an admirer of the player and he would soon be a first team player.
Middlesbrough are now in the 15 position in the league table with just 11 points from 11 games. Bringing him in January could surely help the club stay out of the relegation zone this season.
