3 weeks ago
21
Aston Villa have signed former Man United centre-back Victor Lindelof on transfer deadline day.
As Daily Mail Sport previously reported, Lindelof had been in talks with Villa, Fiorentina and Everton - but it is Unai Emery's side who have won the race for the 31-year-old.
The Swedish international joins as a free agent having departed Old Trafford at the end of last season after the decision was made not to renew his deal.
He spent eight years at United, made 284 appearances and won two trophies.
Lindelof played 25 times during his final campaign for United, who stuttered to their lowest-ever Premier League finish and lost the Europa League final.
The central defender is set to be joined on deadline day by former United team-mate Jadon Sancho, who is set to sign on loan.
Aston Villa have secured the signing of free agent Victor Lindelof (centre), pictured with Unai Emery and Monchi (right)
The ex-Man United defender was in talks with a number of clubs but joined Emery's side
Liverpool ace Harvey Elliott is another expected through the door at Villa Park on a season-long loan with the obligation to buy him for £35million.
Elliott has friends in the Villa squad and they have been encouraged by the news.
After signing, Lindelof told Villa's in-house TV channel: '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: 'We (him and Emery) 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 standards are very, very high, and I can't wait to try and bring that standard up a little bit as well.'
