According to a recent report by the Daily Mail, Manchester United are prepared to offer Victor Lindelof a new contract that would see the Swedish defender double his current wages at Old Trafford. The Red Devils centre-back was linked with a move to the Nou Camp earlier this summer (via the Guardian), but it seems like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to fend off the Catalans’ interest by offering a new deal to the player.
Lindelof’s Rise To The Top Of English Football
Since making a switch from Benfica in the summer transfer period of 2017, the 25-year-old has gradually improved his game and has successfully established himself as a regular starter at the Theatre of Dreams. Lindelof has featured in 70 matches for the Mancunian outfit so far, scoring one goal and grabbing one assist across all competitions.
He made an average of 1.3 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 3.9 clearances per match in the English top-flight last season (stats via whoscored).
The ex-Benfica talent is also vastly experienced at the international level having represented Sweden in 29 matches while registering two goals for his nation in the process. He is destined to play a crucial role for his country as long as he can continue improving his defensive attributes in the coming years.
What is The Swedish Defender’s Strength?
Lindelof works hard for his team and has formed a formidable partnership alongside Harry Maguire at the heart of the Man United backline. He can play the ball out from the back and is a competent defender inside his own half. The Swedish centre-half made a lot of vital interceptions for the Red Devils last season. He has all the skillset required to become a future star in European football.
Man United Set To Offer New Deal To Lindelof: Massive Blow For The Catalans?
There is no doubt that Man United’s offer to extend Lindelof’s contract will be a massive blow for Ernesto Valverde and his chances of landing the defender in the coming years. Barca are in dire need of finding a long-term replacement for Gerard Pique. Therefore, an excellent ball-playing defender like Lindelof would have been a perfect replacement for the ageing Spaniard at the Nou Camp.
Valverde will now have to look at other alternatives if the Sweden international ends up penning a long-term contract at Old Trafford.
