Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho looks set to host a raid of his former club Manchester United as Victor Lindelof becomes the latest player he’s keen to reunite with. Mourinho has also been linked with Mason Greenwood, but there is said to be an expectation that Lindelof will land in Turkey.
Reports earlier this month claimed the Portuguese coach was keen to link back up with Greenwood after overseeing part of his development at United.
However, amid interest from a host of European giants – including Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli and Juventus – the 22-year-old is thought to have little interest in a reunion.
Mourinho has reportedly continued to shop around United’s squad, though, which still contains players he used or signed before leaving in 2018.
According to Turkish outlet Fotomac, Mourinho has identified Lindelof as a priority target to strengthen his defence at the start of his Fenerbahce reign.
The 29-year-old is said to have grown ‘bored’ of his situation at United and shares a mutual interest to work with his former boss.
Fenerbahce will reportedly table a bid worth around £7m for Lindelof, who is entering the final year of his contract at Old Trafford.
The Turkish giants are claimed to share a good relationship with United and expect a transfer to go through once they’ve sent their offer.
Fenerbahce and United also completed business last summer when Fred – another of Mourinho’s signings – departed M16 in a £13m deal.
Mourinho sanctioned Lindelof’s arrival in 2017, splashing £31m to lure him from Benfica following a successful maiden campaign in the Old Trafford dugout.
He has since made 259 appearances for the Red Devils, spending the majority of his seven years at the club as a first-choice option under Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Erik ten Hag has used the Sweden international more sparingly after bringing £57m Lisandro Martinez to United with him from Ajax in 2022.
Lindelof slipped as low as fifth in the pecking order last season behind Martinez, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans.
A relentless injury crisis – particularly in defence – offered him more game time than Ten Hag would’ve planned, but he turns 30 in July and will want more regular opportunities.
They are unlikely to come at United next season, despite Raphael Varane’s imminent exit and uncertainty over Maguire and Evans’ futures.
Ten Hag is expected to add at least one new starting centre-back to his ranks, with progress being made in the chase for £70m-rated Jarrad Branthwaite.