Manchester United have made another major signing, securing the services of French defender Leny Yoro from Lille. The 18-year-old centre-back has joined the Red Devils in a deal worth 62m euros (£52.18m), with an additional 8m euros (£6.73m) in add-ons. This signing demonstrates Manchester United’s commitment to strengthening their defense and investing in promising young talent.
Yoro, who made his debut for Lille at the age of 16, had attracted interest from top clubs such as Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain. Liverpool were also reportedly keen on acquiring his services. However, it was Manchester United who managed to secure his signature. Yoro’s impressive performances last season, where he played 32 times in the league and scored two goals, helped Lille finish fourth in Ligue 1. He was even named in the Ligue 1 team of the season, further highlighting his potential.
The young defender expressed his excitement about joining a club of Manchester United’s stature and ambition. He believes that Old Trafford is the perfect place for him to develop his skills and achieve his ambitions alongside his new teammates. Yoro’s signing adds depth and quality to United’s defensive options, providing them with a promising center-back for the future.
Yoro’s arrival follows Manchester United’s recent acquisition of forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. The club has been actively addressing their squad needs this summer, particularly in defense. They have been in negotiations with Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite, but their bids have been rejected thus far. Additionally, United has expressed interest in Bayern Munich’s Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt.
The potential signings of Branthwaite and De Ligt would significantly bolster Manchester United’s defense. However, it is unlikely that they will sign both players due to squad space and available funds. The departure of Raphael Varane and the uncertain future of Victor Lindelof have left gaps to be filled in United’s backline. The club will need to carefully consider their options and prioritize their defensive signings.
The signing of Leny Yoro is a statement of intent from Manchester United, signaling their ambition to compete at the highest level. The club’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, praised Yoro’s abilities and highlighted his potential to become a top-class center-back. With their recent signings and ongoing negotiations, Manchester United is showing their determination to build a formidable squad capable of challenging for major honors in the coming seasons.