Manchester United is reportedly planning to exercise an option to extend Victor Lindelof’s contract, potentially leading to a substantial pay increase for the 29-year-old player. Lindelof, who joined Manchester United from Benfica for £31 million six years ago, has accumulated 241 appearances for the club during his tenure.
Although he previously secured a contract extension two years ago, Lindelof lost his starting position to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, who became the preferred central defensive partnership under manager Erik ten Hag.
He made a return to the first team due to injuries to Varane and Martinez, delivering strong performances toward the end of the last season. However, his performances this season have been less impressive as he has been utilized across the defensive line to assist during an injury crisis.
With only eight months remaining on his current £120,000-per-week contract, Manchester United has the option to extend Lindelof’s deal for an additional year until 2025, including a notable wage increase to around £140,000-per-week.
Surprisingly, this extension is not an indication of a long-term commitment to the player, but rather a strategic move by Manchester United to secure a more substantial transfer fee when they sell Lindelof during the summer transfer window in 2024.
As it stands, Lindelof will be free to negotiate with other clubs in January with a view to a summer transfer. Inter Milan has previously expressed interest in the defender, and AC Milan is also reportedly keen to acquire his services.
While Milan initially intended to sign Lindelof as a free agent, they are now confident that they can secure the Manchester United defender for €15 million if he extends his contract for an additional year at Old Trafford. This is part of Milan’s preparation for the departure of veteran center-back Simon Kjaer, whose contract is set to expire next summer. Milan’s manager, Stefano Pioli, sees Lindelof as a suitable replacement due to his ball-playing skills and leadership qualities.
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