Manchester United star set for Jose Mourinho reunion as Fenerbahce start talks over deal for defender: Reports
Manchester United are reportedly in talks with Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce over the sale of Victor Lindelof. The Swedish defender could be about to link back up with the former Red Devils manager at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu reports that Fenerbahce have 'officially' opened talks with United for Lindelof. The Premier League giants triggered the one-year option in his contract earlier this year, but he could not depart.
Lindelof, 29, was brought to Old Trafford by Jose Mourinho in 2017 and made 45 appearances under the iconic Portuguese coach. He could rejoin him in Turkiye as Mourinho begins rebuilding the Turkish Super Lig giants.
Turkish outlet Fotomac reports that Fenerbahce have prepared an €8 million offer for Lindelof. He is said to be excited by the idea of reuniting with Mourinho.
Manchester United are set for a summer overhaul under INEOS' sporting control and are expected to make changes to their defense. Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite has emerged as a top target, although his £70 million valuation puts them off.
Lindelof encountered a topsy-turvy past season due to fitness issues and being forced into a makeshift left-back position. He made 28 appearances across competitions, helping his side keep nine clean sheets, with one goal and one assist.
"I know the qualities" - Jose Mourinho on why he wanted Victor Lindelof at Manchester United
Lindelof joined Manchester United from Benfica seven years ago for £30.7 million amid a busy summer transfer window. Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic also arrived at Old Trafford, but the duo had previously played under Jose Mourinho.
That wasn't the case for Lindelof, whose transfer came with question marks about how he'd perform under Mourinho. The Portuguese tactician shed light on how he had inside information (via Manchester Evening News):
"Lindelof was the only one that I didn’t work with [before]. But in Portugal I control. I control inside information. I know the qualities of the people, I know many things about social life, about private life, I know because even without working for that, the informations are arriving."
Lindelof has been a mainstay in Manchester United's first team since joining, even after Mourinho's departure in December 2018. He's made 259 appearances, winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup under current Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag.
The 68-cap Sweden international could become one of Mourinho's first signing at Fenerbahce. His experience could be vital for Sari Kanaryalar as they look to bounce back from missing out on the Turkish Super Lig title to rivals Galatasaray.