
Manchester United must move quickly to sign Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro this summer amid fresh transfer interest from Real Madrid.
The 18-year-old is one of the best emerging centre-backs in Ligue 1 and he has already made 26 appearances in all competitions for Lille this season.
It was claimed last month that it would take €90 million to sign him, but Lille are likely to reduce the price to €60m with his contract expiring in June 2025, as per Marca.
United have been linked with the player for some time, but they now face fresh competition with Madrid also looking to secure an agreement for him in the summer.
Los Blancos are determined to bring in a new centre-back. While Yoro is not the only player on their list, he fits into their policy of recruiting long-term footballers.
In our view, United must be pro-active in the pursuit of Yoro to beat Madrid to his services.
Yoro could be Raphael Varane’s successor at Man Utd
Varane made his debut for Madrid as an 18-year-old after his move from Lens. Los Blancos are planning to do something similar with Yoro, but United should scupper their plans this summer.
The Red Devils are expected to pursue a new centre-back. Varane’s current €390,000-a-week deal with the club expires in June. The club have declined to trigger a 12-month extension clause.
They could be aiming to save €21m from their wage bill which could be utilised for the purchase of Yoro.
Yoro is only 18 but has the all the traits to become an elite central defender. He has completed 56 passes per game this season with an accuracy of more than 92 per cent.
He has also made 3.2 clearances and 4.4 ball recoveries per game alongside 1.5 tackles. The teenager has also caught the eye in duels and has a success rate of 67 per cent.
The youngster is currently represented by the agency of super-agent Jorge Mendes. United have a good working relationship with him and need to capitalise on the same.
Madrid are a lucrative club too with their immense silverware success, but Yoro could be lured to Old Trafford if manager Erik ten Hag can assure him a starting position.
This may not be a guarantee at Madrid when Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger likely to be manager Carlo Ancelotti’s preferred central defensive duo when both are available.
Yoro is a right-sided centre-back and the role is up for grabs at United.
The club already have three brilliant young players in Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho. Yoro would fit in perfectly into a squad eyeing long-term success.
Stats from Sofascore.com, Capology.com & Transfermarkt.com
