As Zlatan Ibrahimovic is keen to point out, the rumours suggesting one Manchester United man could be heading to AC Milan were always a little predictable.
The former Manchester United striker works as a senior advisor to AC Milan’s ownership group, Red Bird, these days.
And, perhaps unsurprisingly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s outspoken, larger-than-life personality has seen the legendary Swede become something of a spokesman for the Serie A giants. The man approached to discuss potential transfer plans and the Rossoneri’s performance both on and off the pitch.
And amid claims suggesting AC Milan want to bring Victor Lindelof to Italy during the New Year, the experienced centre-back was one of the first names on the lips of the Swedish press during an interview with the nation’s greatest son this week.
Ibrahimovic would not be drawn on whether Lindelof is indeed a target for the seven-time European champions.
But, while praising the defensive options already at Milan’s disposal, he did indicate that those Victor Lindelof links may have arose primarily because of Ibrahimovic’s presence behind the scenes at the San Siro.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic reacts to rumours about Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof
“You never know,” Ibrahimovic smiles when asked by TV4 if Lindelof could end up at Milan in 2025.
“There are a lot of rumours being spread. That rumour is more because I’m Swedish, and Lindelof is Swedish. He is a fantastic player. I think he is doing well at United [but] we have many good players in that position.
“I don’t know what he wants. You can probably ask him!”
Lindelof is one of a number of Man United players due to become a free-agent in 2025.
While Harry Maguire is keen to stay under Ruben Amorim, the long-serving Lindelof is unlikely to be retained. While Amorim’s arrival gives every United player the chance to impress anew, it feels fanciful that Lindelof will climb above Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez or the returning Leny Yoro in the Red Devils’ pecking order.
Leny Yoro is training with the rest of Man United’s squad for the first time, three and a half months after breaking his foot in pre-season.
As for Lindelof, a potential January switch to another Italian powerhouse feels somewhat more probably. Juventus are keen on the £30m former Benfica ace, according to Tuttosport.
Juventus and AC Milan both linked with Sweden star
The Bianconeri have lost the United-linked Juan Cabal and Brazil international Gleison Bremer to ACL injuries. As such, Juventus may be forced into the market for both centre-halves and left-sided full-backs. Two roles the versatile Lindelof could fill should he swap Manchester for Turin, rather than Milan.
The 30-year-old has played only 58 minutes of Premier League football this season, due in part to injury.
Recently, Lindelof’s wife indicated that staying in England would be the priority with the man himself later suggesting that his family is likely to be a deciding factor in where he ends up after his Manchester United contract expires.
“There have been a lot of rumours about me for a few years,” Lindelof said at a press conference in October. “But my only focus is to play and help my team-mates at United. I don’t think much about what is written [in the media].
“I have been [at Old Trafford] for a very long time. This will be my eighth year. A lot has happened in my career and life.
“[Manchester] is a place that means a lot to me. Both children were born there.”
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