Frank Christian
Manchester United is close to securing the signature of Leny Yoro, a promising young defender from Lille.
The talented center-back is set to join Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils in a deal reportedly worth €62 million.
Despite initial speculation linking him with Real Madrid, Yoro seems destined for Old Trafford, poised to sign a five-year contract.
Let’s delve into who Leny Yoro is, his playing style, and the financial aspects of his transfer.
Player Profile: Leny Yoro
Leny Yoro, a right-footed center-back, rose through the ranks at Lille, debuting for the first team in 2016.
His standout performance in a Ligue 1 victory over Nice in 2022 solidified his place in Lille’s history as the second-youngest player ever.
With 60 appearances and three goals for Lille, Yoro played a vital role in their 2023/24 season, notably excelling in defensive duels and interceptions.
His commanding presence in defense, coupled with a solid 62.7% duel success rate, underscores his ability as a formidable central defender.
Transfer Details: Manchester United’s Investment
Manchester United agreed to a reported transfer fee of €62 million with Lille for Leny Yoro, showcasing their commitment to bolstering the squad.
The deal includes an initial payment of €50 million, with additional sums tied to performance-related clauses.
Lille’s decision to accept the offer was aimed at securing a substantial fee for Yoro rather than risking losing him for free when his contract expires in 2025.
Upon completion, Yoro’s transfer would rank him among United’s top signings, coming second only to Harry Maguire’s £80 million acquisition in 2019.
United’s strategic player sales, including Willy Kambwala, Donny van de Beek, and Alvaro Fernandez, are expected to mitigate the financial impact of Yoro’s transfer.
Real Madrid’s Interest in Leny Yoro
Real Madrid had shown interest in signing Leny Yoro as a potential replacement for Nacho. However, despite being linked with the player for a long time, Madrid decided not to engage in a bidding war with other clubs. Madrid was hesitant to match the offer made by Manchester United for Yoro, who could join on a free transfer in a year.
Manchester United was able to secure a deal with Lille for Yoro, as Lille preferred to cash in on the player rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Leny Yoro’s Height
Leny Yoro stands at around 1.9 meters, which is just under six feet and three inches. His height played a role in his early promotion to the first team at Lille.
Leny Yoro’s Background
Leny Yoro was born in Saint-Maurice, a suburb of Paris, France, in November 2005. He joined Lille’s youth system after moving to the city with his family.
Yoro has represented France at various youth levels, including the Under-21 team. He was selected for the Olympic Games in Paris but was unable to participate due to his club’s UEFA Champions League qualifying commitments. Additionally, he is eligible to play for Ivory Coast at the senior level through his father.
