Latest reports from Mirror claim that Everton are plotting a move for Victor Lindelof. The Manchester United defender is wanted by newly appointed Everton boss Marco Silva as he plans to strengthen his side in the upcoming transfer window.
Lindelof, who made a high profile move to the Premier League last summer, following a series of impressive performances for Benfica, failed to live up to the billing in his debut season. Aside from his disappointing performances in the English top flight, Lindelof was very inconsistent throughout the course of last season.
So much so, that the Swedish international was often frozen out of the starting eleven for the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, both of whom are linked with a move out of Old Trafford this summer. In his maiden Premier League season, Lindelof could only muster 17 league games, which is unsatisfactory for a player of his calibre.
Therefore, the 23-year-old will be keen to make things next season right following a mediocre campaign. Although there’s no suggestion that United head coach Jose Mourinho will want to let him leave so soon after signing him, a move out of Old Trafford could be a wise decision from Lindelof’s point of view.
Following a trophyless season, Mourinho is already keen on securing the services of a top-class centre-back, who can play alongside Eric Bailly in central defence next season. This could drastically decrease Lindelof’s playing time at Manchester United, which could likely usher in his deterioration, just a couple of years after making an ambitious move to the Premier League.
However, a move to Everton might provide him with the much-needed game-time as he seeks to make an impression next season. The Toffees are on the lookout for a new defender, with the likes of Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams already being in the final phase of their respective careers. Victor Lindelof, in that regard, could be an intriguing signing for the Merseyside giants.
Known for his ability to pass the ball from the back, the Swede is destined to flourish in Marco Silva’s tactical philosophy. In addition, Lindelof has also been in solid form, of late, which can help him gain some much-needed confidence. The 25-year-old is definitely an upgrade to Funes Mori and will be a great partner for Michael Keane in central defence.
In the meantime, however, sources from United’s Carrington training base say that the Swede will be given another chance at United in order to reach the levels of consistency he showed at Benfica. But that being said, there’s no harm for Everton to make an ambitious move for the 25-year-old, who is more than capable of making a difference at the Merseyside.
