According to the Sun, Manchester United is reportedly prepared to initiate negotiations for a new contract with Swedish centre-back Victor Lindelof following his impressive performance in the latter part of the season.
Initially starting the previous campaign as a regular substitute, Lindelof primarily saw action in cup competitions and European matches.
However, his situation changed towards the end of the season when injuries affected Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez during the Europa League clash against Sevilla.
As a result, the 28-year-old Swedish international seized the opportunity and started in all of the club’s final 12 games of the season.
According to The Sun, manager Erik ten Hag is determined to retain Lindelof for the long term. United is prepared to engage in discussions regarding a new contract with the player.
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Lindelof’s current deal expires in June 2024 and the Red Devils are already planning to activate a clause that would extend his stay for an additional year.
Following a strong finish to the season, the centre-back’s starting position at Old Trafford remains uncertain. The £31 million signing made a notable impact on the team after injuries to Varane and Martinez.
Varane eventually returned and formed a promising partnership with Lindelof. However, with Martinez expected to regain full fitness next season, the 28-year-old might find himself returning to the substitutes’ bench.
In addition to this uncertainty, United is reportedly looking to secure the services of Napoli’s Kim Min-jae as a potential replacement for Harry Maguire.
However, Min-jae is unlikely to join the club without assurances of regular playing time, raising the possibility of Lindelof becoming the fourth-choice centre-back.
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While United currently holds the option to extend Lindelof’s contract until June 2025, the challenge lies in convincing him to commit to a new deal, especially amidst the ongoing pursuit of Min-jae.
The situation presents a significant question mark regarding Lindelof’s future with the club.
