Victor Lindelof’s future at Manchester United appears to be increasingly uncertain, with reports suggesting that the Swedish international has already set his sights on a move away from Old Trafford. According to Italian media, Lindelof has ‘offered himself’ to Juventus, a club in dire need of defensive reinforcements following a string of key injuries. This comes despite strong interest from Italian rivals AC Milan, who are also reportedly keen on securing the services of the 30-year-old centre-back.
The Italian press, including Tuttosport, has claimed that Lindelof’s representatives have approached Juventus, knowing that the Bianconeri are dealing with a defensive crisis. With Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal both sidelined due to injury, manager Thiago Motta is left with limited options in the heart of the defense. As such, Juve are exploring the market for a stopgap solution, and Lindelof’s versatility and availability have made him a prime target.
Cristiano Giuntoli, Juventus’s sporting director, is reportedly in talks with Lindelof’s entourage. The two sides are said to have a positive working relationship, thanks to their previous collaboration on the transfer of Denis Zakaria from Juventus to Monaco in 2023. This established rapport could prove beneficial in any negotiations, should the Serie A giants decide to push forward with their interest.
Despite the ongoing injury woes in Turin, the 30-year-old Lindelof does not fit Juventus’s ideal age profile. The club has traditionally looked to recruit younger players with a long-term future, but Lindelof’s situation could sway their decision. The fact that Lindelof’s contract at Manchester United is set to expire at the end of the current season only adds to his appeal. Juventus may be able to secure the player for a reduced fee in January or potentially sign him for free in the summer, a prospect that has piqued the club’s interest.
While Juventus seem to be the most active suitor at the moment, they may face stiff competition from Milan. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, now an advisor at AC Milan, is reportedly keen on bringing Lindelof to the Rossoneri, adding a layer of intrigue to the ongoing transfer saga. Milan’s interest was first reported last week, and it’s clear that they will not sit idly by while Juventus explores the possibility of signing the defender.
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Lindelof, who joined Manchester United from Benfica in 2017, has made 266 appearances for the club, contributing to their FA Cup and League Cup successes. However, despite his solid performances over the years, Lindelof has found himself further down the pecking order under new United manager Ruben Amorim. With the arrival of new defensive options at Old Trafford and Lindelof’s diminishing role in the squad, a move away seems increasingly likely.
This season, Lindelof has only featured in seven matches, a clear indication that his opportunities under Amorim are limited. With the 30-year-old struggling to secure regular playing time, the appeal of a fresh start at a club like Juventus, or even AC Milan, may be too good to pass up. The Swedish defender has always been a reliable presence when called upon, but the reality of his situation at United suggests that a change of scenery is fast becoming inevitable.
Juventus, with their injury problems mounting, could greatly benefit from a player of Lindelof’s qualities. His ability to play both as a central defender and as a full-back provides flexibility, which is crucial when dealing with squad rotations and injuries. Furthermore, his experience at the highest level, both domestically and internationally, would add maturity and leadership to Juventus’s backline, especially in the absence of Bremer and Cabal.
However, Juventus will need to act swiftly if they want to avoid a bidding war. AC Milan’s interest is serious, and with Ibrahimovic’s influence, Milan could be in a strong position to lure Lindelof to the San Siro. It’s also worth noting that Milan are in the market for defensive reinforcements themselves, and Lindelof could provide a cost-effective solution given his expiring contract.
The decision could ultimately come down to where Lindelof feels he can get the most playing time and the best opportunity to continue competing at the highest level. Both Juventus and Milan offer compelling options, each with their own unique advantages. While Juventus are currently in need of reinforcements, Milan’s appeal could lie in the opportunity to play under a coach like Stefano Pioli, in a competitive Serie A environment.
For Lindelof, the prospect of joining a team with Champions League ambitions and a storied history like either Juventus or Milan would be a tantalizing one. Moreover, both clubs would offer a new challenge, a chance to prove himself in a league renowned for its tactical discipline and defensive prowess. The move could also give him the opportunity to further cement his place in Sweden’s national team, with Euro 2024 on the horizon.
Ultimately, the ball appears to be in Lindelof’s court. With Manchester United’s new manager less inclined to offer him regular playing time, his next move will likely define the latter stages of his career. Juventus’s interest is genuine, and with Milan waiting in the wings, the next few months could see one of Serie A’s top clubs secure the services of a highly experienced and versatile defender.
As the transfer window draws nearer, all eyes will be on Lindelof’s future. His potential departure from Manchester United is now looking more likely than ever, with both Juventus and AC Milan keen to snap him up. Whether he opts for a move to Turin or Milan, it seems certain that Lindelof will not be short of suitors in the coming months. The only question that remains is which Italian giant will win the race for his signature.