By Manchester United has secured the signing of Lille’s 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro in a deal potentially worth up to £58.9 million. Despite initial interest from Real Madrid, United managed to convince Yoro to join them by agreeing to an initial fee of £52.2 million, with possible add-ons of nearly £7 million.
Yoro, who has signed a five-year contract with an option for an additional year, expressed his excitement about joining Manchester United. He praised the club’s clear development plan and the care shown towards him and his family. Yoro believes that Manchester United’s history of nurturing young talent makes it the ideal place for him to reach his potential.
Manchester United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, described Yoro as one of the most exciting young defenders in world football, highlighting his potential to become a top-class centre-back. Ashworth emphasized the club’s commitment to supporting Yoro’s development under the guidance of Erik ten Hag and the club’s staff.
The signing comes as Manchester United looks to strengthen its defense following the departures of Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala. The club is also considering additional signings, including Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, depending on budget and squad space.
Yoro, who made 41 appearances and scored three goals for Lille last season, becomes the third most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history. His move to Manchester United marks the end of a transfer saga that saw both United and Real Madrid vying for his signature.
