#2 Victor Lindelof – Benfica - £50 million – Too High
Realistic Value: £20 million
Manchester United were quiet in the transfer window just gone by but they were closer to a deal than many expected. Jose Mourinho nearly completed a £34.5 million deal for Benfica’s Swedish centre-back Victor Lindelof but pulled out at the last minute. The result? Benfica paid to have the defender’s minimum release clause removed, meaning that the asking price has stepped up to a whopping £50 million should United, or any other side for that matter, wish to purchase the Swede in the summer.
In Liga Portuguesa, Lindelof has progressed well in his first proper season with the Eagles, averaging five defensive actions and a 90% pass completion rate per game. He’s strong on the ground and good in the air while being competent in possession too.
He’d undoubtedly be a promising acquisition for any but £50 million would be a massive gamble, given that he’s only really got just over half a season of consistent top-flight football under his belt.
If any side were to bid the asking price, that would mean the Swedish centre-half would cost them as much as John Stones did Manchester City last summer, which was a hellishly high price-tag for a defender anyway. Lindelof is yet to face a formidable attack of the intensity he would face in the Premier League regularly and needs a few more seasons in Portugal before Benfica can even consider asking for such an amount. ‘Transfermarkt’ only values him at £10.2 million.
