Manchester United have successfully signed French centre-back Leny Yoro from Lille in a deal worth 62 million euros, with an additional 8 million euros in potential add-ons. The 18-year-old has committed to a five-year contract with the option for an extra year. Yoro, who debuted for Lille at 16, attracted interest from Real Madrid, Paris St-Germain, and Liverpool.
Promising Young Talent
Yoro made a significant impact last season, appearing in 32 league matches and scoring twice, helping Lille secure a fourth-place finish and earning a spot in the Ligue 1 team of the season. He has amassed 44 appearances in all competitions for Lille, including their Europa Conference League run, which ended in the quarter-finals against Aston Villa on penalties.
Upon signing, Yoro expressed his excitement: “Joining Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honor. The club’s clear development plan and their care for me and my family made this decision easy. I know about the history of nurturing young talent here and believe it’s the perfect place for me to reach my potential.”
United’s Summer Transfer Activity
Yoro’s signing follows the acquisition of forward Joshua Zirkzee, 23, from Bologna for £36.5 million. Manchester United have been actively seeking a new central defender, with two bids for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite being rejected as Everton value him over £75 million. Negotiations are also ongoing with Bayern Munich for Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt. However, sources indicate that the club would not sign both Branthwaite and De Ligt, with further signings dependent on squad space and finances.
The club’s defensive lineup faces changes with Raphael Varane’s departure and uncertainty over Victor Lindelof’s future, as his contract expires next year. Harry Maguire, who received bids from other Premier League clubs last summer but chose to stay, made 22 Premier League appearances last season.
United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, praised Yoro: “Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; he possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class centre-back.”
Yoro’s arrival marks a significant step in United’s efforts to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
