Fiorentina Target Free Agent Victor Lindelöf to Bolster Defence

Fiorentina want ex-Manchester United defender Victor Lindelöf as their new centre back. Lindelöf would reunite with former teammate David De Gea in Florence if the move goes through, but the club faces competition from Premier League sides for his signature.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Lindelöf is a free agent after leaving United on a free transfer in June, with his contract expiring after eight seasons at the club. He made 284 appearances for United, collecting an FA Cup and an EFL Cup winner’s medal. He is now considering a move to Fiorentina, with De Gea reportedly acting as the main contact for the Swede at his potential new club. Lindelöf represents a bargain in the current transfer market given his experience, but only if he is willing to reduce his wage demands, as his salary is nearly double that of De Gea’s at Fiorentina.

WHY FIORENTINA WANT LINDELÖF

Fiorentina want to bolster their central defence with Matias Morey sold to Levante and Nicolas Valentini sent on loan to Hellas Verona until the summer. The club are looking to rebuild ahead of the new Serie A season after finishing sixth in Serie A last season, thus qualifying for the Conference League. Lindelöf, given his experience and leadership skills, would be a boost to the club with Fiorentina already reaping the dividends of his former teammate De Gea’s presence who has successfully rebuilt his career in Italy. The club are hoping Lindelöf can do the same.

WHAT NEXT FOR LINDELÖF AND FIORENTINA?

Fiorentina’s negotiations with Lindelöf’s camp are likely to continue in the coming days as the club look to complete the transfer before the second match of the new Serie A season, having drawn with Cagliari on their opener, and visiting Torino next weekend. They face a crucial set of fixtures to end 2024, and with the Conference League in sight, will need a deeper squad to remain competitive on all fronts.