‘A club that I like…’: Expected Man Utd departee hints at next destination ahead of summer exit

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·25 marzo 2025

‘A club that I like…’: Expected Man Utd departee hints at next destination ahead of summer exit

Manchester United are preparing to oversee a squad overhaul in the upcoming transfer window to raise funds and free up space on the wage list.

Among those almost certain to be departing is Victor Lindelof, who joins Christian Eriksen in seeing out the final months of their contracts while mulling over their next clubs. Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton, also becoming free agents at the end of June, are expected to hang up their boots – and gloves – altogether.

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As for the options Lindelof has, he’s unlikely to be short of suitors. He’ll have only just turned 31 years old by the time 2025/2026 gets underway and is certainly still capable of doing a job at the back when called upon, whether that be as a starter or a substitute. Still, it’s a positive that United have acknowledged he’s no longer suitable for Ruben Amorim’s squad and opted against offering the centre-half a new deal.

One team believed to be sizing up a swoop for the experienced Swede is his former club, Benfica. He arrived at Old Trafford in a £31 million deal from the Portuguese outfit in 2017 and could now return for nothing after an eight-year stint in Manchester.

Lindelof mulls over Benfica return prior to United release

Lindelof has endured an injury-ridden season thus far. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The prospective switch would allow Lindelof to continue playing in a competitive league and, most likely, in one of the European competitions each season. Benfica are currently second-placed in Liga Portugal, which would see them secure a spot in the Champions League qualifiers, and only three points behind leaders Sporting Lisbon with a game in hand; finishing top would ensure they progress straight to the group stages.

While cautious to not give too much away, Lindelof recently spoke of his appreciation for the team where his senior career really kickstarted.

“Benfica as a club means a lot to me. It’s the club that made me the player I am today. I don’t know what will happen and what my decision will be,” said the senior Red, as cited by Sebastio Sousa-Pinto.

“But it’s a club that means a lot to me and a club that I like. I don’t only have myself to think about. It’s a decision we have to make together as a family.”