Victor Lindelof of Manchester United walks off at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Aston Villa FC at Old Trafford on May 25, 2025 in Manchester, United Kingdom.placeholder image
Victor Lindelof of Manchester United walks off at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Aston Villa FC at Old Trafford on May 25, 2025 in Manchester, United Kingdom. | Manchester United via Getty Imag
Aston Villa have announced the signing of former Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof with the Sweden international finding a new club two months on from his Old Trafford exit.
Lindelof officially ended an eight-year spell with the Red Devils on June 30 but his exit had been confirmed in May with United opting not to hand him a new deal as his contract expired. His final appearance for the Red Devils was a 2-0 win over Villa.
He has now agreed to join the Birmingham club on a two-year deal with a club option of a third year. He was the subject of interest from Everton and Fiorentina, with Fabrizio Romano reporting on Sunday that both clubs had made proposals to the player but he opted to join Unai Emery’s side.
He could face his old club on December 20 when United travel to Villa Park while his Old Trafford return could be on March 14, when the clubs meet in the reverse Premier League fixture.
Victor Lindelof discusses Aston Villa move after leaving Man Utd
Speaking to the club website, Lindelof said: “It’s a massive club, and I was super excited when I heard that the club wanted me.
“I spoke to my wife, and we felt it was a good move for us as a family and for me as a player. I’ve been at the Premier League for many years, so I know what it’s all about.
“Hopefully, I can help the younger players with my experience, and also bring in the quality like I show on the pitch. I am super, super happy and thrilled to be part of this football club.”
He added: “Playing at Villa Park, the fans, it’s always a great, great atmosphere. For me, to be able to go out there and have them behind me this time is going to be amazing, so I’m really looking forward to that.
“The team, very, very good with the ball, very good structure. I think everyone knows exactly what to do on the pitch, and I think that’s what the manager demands from the players as well.
“The standards are very, very high, and I can’t wait to try and bring that standard up a little bit as well.”
Man Utd opt not to replace Victor Lindelof
With Lindelof leaving the club, United have not signed a new centre-back this summer. They have instead focused mostly on their attack but are poised to complete a deadline day move for goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
They have turned down offers for Harry Maguire this window and Ruben Amorim has opted to play Luke Shaw as one of his three centre-backs. Whether or not letting Lindelof go will be a mistake remains to be seen. United have other back-up options such as Ayden Heaven but one injury in the area could leave them short.
They do not have European competitions to contend with this term so squad depth will not be tested as much as other years.