Manchester United has completed the signing of 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro from Lille for a reported fee of £52.2m (approximately €70 million). The talented youngster has signed a five-year contract until 2029 with an option for an additional year.Yoro’s signing represents a significant coup for Manchester United, as they managed to beat out competition from Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain for his signature. The Red Devils reportedly offered a more attractive financial package and the promise of immediate first-team football to secure the deal.Manchester United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, expressed his excitement about the signing, stating, ‘Leny is one of the most promising young defenders in global football; he possesses all the qualities needed to develop into a top-class central defender’. The club’s confidence in Yoro’s potential is evident, with reports suggesting that club legend Rio Ferdinand was ‘deployed’ to help convince the young defender to choose Old Trafford.Yoro’s impressive credentials include playing 60 games for Lille’s first team and being named in the Ligue 1 team of the season last year. His performances have marked him as one of France’s greatest defensive talents, having made his Ligue 1 debut at just 16 years old.The young defender expressed his excitement about joining Manchester United, saying, ‘It’s an incredible honor to sign for a club with the status and ambition of Manchester United’. He added that the club’s clear plan for his development and the care shown for him and his family were key factors in his decision.This signing comes as part of Manchester United’s summer transfer activity, which also includes the departure of Mason Greenwood to Olympique Marseille. Yoro is expected to bolster United’s defense, which has been plagued by injuries and the departure of Raphael Varane.
Key points
- Manchester United has signed 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro from Lille for £52.
- Yoro was highly sought after, with United beating out competition from Real Madrid, Liverpool, and PSG.
- The young defender has already played 60 games for Lille and was named in the Ligue 1 team of the season.
- Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was reportedly involved in convincing Yoro to join the club.
2m.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported transfer fee, with some sources citing £52m, while others mention €70 million (approximately £60m).
This could be due to potential add-ons or differences in currency conversion rates.
