Man Utd have confirmed that they have agreed on a deal to take defender Victor Lindelof away from Benfica this summer, with the move costing them £31m.
The 22-year-old was an ever-present for the Portuguese giants last season, making 47 appearances in all competitions as he helped them secure the domestic league and cup double.
Further, he’s also an established international player with 12 caps to his name, and after searching long and hard for the right long-term defensive partner for Eric Bailly, it appears as though Jose Mourinho has finally landed the player that he wanted.
According to BBC Sport, the Swedish ace will arrive in a deal worth £31m, but he’ll hope to agree on personal terms, undergo his medical and get international clearance next week so that he can be officially unveiled as United’s first summer signing.
Lindelof’s arrival raises serious questions about the futures of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones though, as Mourinho has too many options at the back and it’s felt that he’ll have to offload one.
The England pair were the subject of public criticism at times last season, as was Luke Shaw, and if Mourinho is indeed now ready to stamp his mark on the squad, it could lead to some high profile exits too.
United boasted the second best defensive record in the Premier League last season, but it looks as though their backline is about to get even more formidable with the arrival of Lindelof, who will undoubtedly help shore things up even more.
The Benfica ace is likely to be the first of many new faces at Old Trafford this summer, but it’s an important addition as far as Mourinho is concerned as he continues to build a squad capable of competing for major honours.