Victor Lindelof has finally joined Manchester United… but he could have been preparing to face Burton with Boro
MANCHESTER UNITED have splashed out £31million for Benfica's Victor Lindelof – but that whopping fee could have been heading into the pockets of Middlesbrough. Just 18 months ago, the star almost joined the Championship side in a cut-price January deal.
Victor Lindelof completed £31million move from Benfica to Manchester United.
Victor Lindelof with girlfriend Maja Nilsson after signing for Manchester United.
Victor Lindelof almost joined Middlesbrough in January 2016. In fact, Boro had even booked the centre-half a plane ticket to Teesside.
A year and a half later Jose Mourinho has made the Swedish star his first marquee summer signing as he attempts to transform the Red Devils into Premier League title contenders.
But back then, a big-money move to Old Trafford looked a million miles away for the 22-year-old as he remained on the fringes of the Benfica first-team.
Then Boro manager Aitor Karanka had already spotted the potential in the centre-half and three times during the winter transfer window thought he had managed to get a deal in place to land him.
After a week of wrangling between Boro and the player's agent, a deal was agreed with Benfica and Lindelof.
The club booked the youngster's flight and expected him to arrive at the Riverside on an initial six-month loan, with the view to a £5million permanent move should they win promotion – which they went on to achieve.
Aitor Karanka thought he had secured a deal for the defender – and even booked a plane ticket to bring Lindelof to Teesside.
Last minute wrangling over the terms of the deal from Benfica scuppered the move to Boro.
Jose Mourinho has now splashed out £31million to bring the star to Old Trafford. When asked about the interest in Lindelof, Karanka told the Gazette said last January: "We are working but he played on Tuesday with Benfica, he's on the list.
"We're looking for a central defender and midfielder and if one player can fill both of those positions then that would be ideal. So what stopped the move from going through?.
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The Portuguese side tried to insert extra clauses at the last minute, and despite a last-gasp deadline day attempt to push the deal through, it was never completed.
It was during these negotiations that an injury to Lisandro Lopez handed Lindelof his chance in the first team. And he has never looked back.
Lindelof has enjoyed a huge transformation since his collapsed move to Boro.
The Swedish international is one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Aitor Karanka has since left Boro and the club have been relegated back to the Championship.
He has enjoyed a formidable rise since Boro thought they nabbed him, making himself a cornerstone of the Benfica defence and gaining experience in the Champions League.
Lindelof has also become a regular for his country, winning 12 caps and even finding the target once.
Upon his arrival at United, he told the club's website: "I am thrilled to be joining Manchester United. I have enjoyed my time at Benfica enormously and I have learned a lot there.
Victor Lindelof is expected to be the first of several signings this summer.
Victor Lindelof arrived at Old Trafford for his medical in a red Chevrolet on Wednesday morning. "But I'm looking forward to playing in the Premier League at Old Trafford and for Jose Mourinho.
"I'm keen to get started and make my contribution to the team's efforts to win more trophies.
Victor Lindelof could have been running out for Boro at Burton this season.
Or the Swede could have been lining up at Millwalls Den had his move to Boro not collapsed.
And as he prepares for next seasons title challenge, he must be counting his blessings his first attempt at a move to England fell through.
Otherwise, instead of visiting the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal, he could have been running out at Millwall and Burton.
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