Manchester United’s Costly Contract Decisions: How Victor Lindelof’s Deal Could Cost Over £6M
Manchester United finds themselves potentially facing significant financial losses due to poorly negotiated player contracts, with Victor Lindelof’s situation serving as a prime example.
Lindelof, who joined United nearly eight years ago, may still be on the club’s books next June, but it’s unlikely to be a celebrated milestone.
Despite being a key player in the past, Lindelof’s recent fitness struggles have kept him mostly off the pitch since his return for pre-season training.
He played only two halves during United’s U.S. tour and has been sidelined due to injury. With the transfer deadline approaching, it appears United might be stuck with the 30-year-old, who could have been released in June.
In December, United extended Lindelof’s contract until 2025, aiming to protect his resale value, but this move has backfired.
Lindelof’s value has decreased, and he has become one of the team’s least available players. At this point, he is likely considered the sixth-choice center-back if all options are healthy, and the club has even suggested he could cover at left-back to justify his place in the squad.
United has managed to raise over £100 million from player sales this summer, a shift from previous practices of extending contracts for players they intended to sell.
However, Lindelof’s case highlights the need for a more ruthless approach to contract extensions, particularly when considering his injury history and current form.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis situation isn’t unique in United’s recent history. Under the management of Ed Woodward, the club has been known for negotiating questionable contracts. For instance, Nani was given a five-year renewal in 2013, only to be sold two years later after making just 13 appearances.
Similarly, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones received new contracts but contributed little to the team afterward due to injuries and poor form.
Lindelof’s contract, signed in September 2019, may be one of the worst deals United has made. At the time, his agent claimed that Barcelona was interested in him, which likely pressured United into offering a more lucrative contract. However, it’s believed that this interest was exaggerated, and United fell for the ruse despite having credible information about Barcelona’s financial difficulties.
While Lindelof was a standout player during the 2018-19 season, his overall contribution has not justified the contract extension. His current £120,000 weekly salary could cost United £6.24 million until his release next year.
Despite his professionalism, Lindelof’s tenure at United has been largely unremarkable, and his looming anniversary with the club is likely to go unnoticed.
Manchester United’s Costly Contract Decisions: How Victor Lindelof’s Deal Could Cost Over £6M
