Victor Lindelöf has completed his switch to Aston Villa from Manchester United for a free transfer on deadline day, Softfootball reports.
The Sweden international has been without a club since leaving Old Trafford this summer. The likes of Everton, Bayer Leverkusen, Fiorentina failed in their bid to sign him as he wanted a project give him playing time ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Aston Villa announced the deal via their official club media on Monday afternoon, the statement read:
“Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Victor Lindelöf.
“The Sweden international captain, who has been capped 71 times by his country, joins the club following his departure from Manchester United at the end of last season.
“An experienced and versatile operator across the back line, Lindelöf spent eight years at Old Trafford, winning both the League Cup and the FA Cup.
“He had previously lifted silverware with Benfica in Portugal, after starting his career in his native Sweden.”
Lindelöf, who recently became captain of the Swedish national team expressed delight at joining Aston Villa and having the chance to remain in the Premier League.
Lindelöf 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.”
The former Benfica defender revealed that before making his decision to join the club, he spoke to former Aston Villa goalkeeper and Sweden teammate, Robin Olsen about working with Unai Emery and the club.
He revealed:
“I called him (Olsen) straight away, and he only had good things to say about the club, and everyone working around the club as well.
“Obviously, that gave me a very good feeling as well, and just positive things that made everything easier.”
Lindelöf went on to talk about his chat with the manager Unai Emery.
He said:
“We had a good talk a couple of days ago, and we just talked about the football and how he sees me as a player and what I can bring to the team.
“That as well was one of the things that made me want to come here, after that phone call. We had a good talk, and (I am) really looking forward to working under him.
“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.”
Lindelöf will hope to make his Aston Villa debut against Everton when the Premier League resumes after the international break on September 13.
