Manchester United has signed 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro from French Ligue 1 club Lille, the clubs announced Thursday.
According to the report, United agreed to pay €62 million ($67.6 million) for the France under-21 international, with a possible €8 million ($8.7 million) in add-ons.
Despite Real Madrid’s interest, Yoro has decided to join United. According to insiders, Real Madrid decided not to go into a bidding battle with United for the center-half.
Yoro informed Madrid of his decision to join United on Tuesday night after the Spanish club failed to make a bid for him.
“Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honour,” Yoro said in a statement. “Since my initial meetings with the club, they have laid out a clear strategy for how I may progress in Manchester as part of this exciting initiative, and they have shown a great deal of concern for me and my family.
“I am aware of Manchester United’s reputation of developing young players and believe it will be an ideal environment for me to attain my full potential and accomplish my goals with my new teammates. I can’t wait to get started!”
The defender will be joining fellow newcomer Joshua Zirkzee at Old Trafford after joining on Sunday from Bologna.
Club scouts, manager Erik ten Hag, and the club’s new football leadership, which was put in place in the months after Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a minority owner, reportedly had no problem with either signing.
“Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; he possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class center-back,” said Dan Ashworth, Man Utd’s new sports director, in a club release. “Having enjoyed such a great start to his career, we are eager to help him fulfill his full potential here at Manchester United.
“This club has an excellent track record of nurturing young players, whether they are indigenous or brought in from outside, and providing them with the necessary coaching, time, and patience to grow and thrive. Under Erik ten Hag and his superb team, we will guarantee that Leny has the ideal platform to achieve the success that everyone in the club desires.”
Zirkee and Yoro essentially replace striker Anthony Martial and defender Raphaël Varane, who left the club earlier this summer.
The club has not ruled out making more defensive acquisitions, with Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich and Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton still top targets. However, transfer costs remain a possible stumbling block, with reports suggesting that United have previously had a £50 million ($64 million) offer rejected for Branthwaite.
Yoro is considered as one of Europe’s best young defensive prospects after becoming a first-team regular at Lille. He made his senior debut as a 16-year-old at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season.
What is Manchester United?
Manchester United FC (F.C.) is a professional football club. It is located in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. It competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football. Its nickname is “the Red Devils”. Newton Heath LYR Football Club was founded in 1878.
Who owns Man U?
Manchester United’s ownership structure has recently changed. The Glazer family, which has had controlling ownership since 2005, remains the dominating power. However, their time has been marred by fan dissatisfaction owing to the financial load imposed on the team.
In a key event late last year, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a sizable minority share, around 27.7%. This influx of finance not only provided new resources but also gave Ratcliffe authority over the club’s sports activities. So, although the Glazers maintain ultimate control, Ratcliffe’s rising influence signals that Manchester United’s course might alter.
