Liverpool is interested in signing young center-back Leny Yoro from Lille . The 18-year-old is arguably the most sought-after defender in the game this summer despite having less than 3,500 minutes of experience in Ligue 1.
As such, it looked as though his future could become one of the most keenly observed sagas of the summer 2024 transfer window. With only a year remaining on Yoro’s contract, Lille has very few aces up its sleeve at the negotiating table so an exit looks inevitable.
But that doesn’t mean his next destination is entirely decided. Liverpool would be prepared to make a move for Yoro if a deal was possible but Manchester United is the only side to have made an offer so far.
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It looks like Real Madrid is the main contender for the player right now. If there were two clubs the Reds would not want to lose out to for a target, it could easily be them and Manchester United. Rio Ferdinand recently made a plea to Yoro, asking the youngster to sign for his former club , while the reigning La Liga and Champions League holder can speak for itself. Which team will the highly-rated center-back choose?
It has been reported previously that Yoro has his heart set on the Spanish capital. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg , United has laid out its contract terms though. “Manchester United are aware that Leny #Yoro will choose between Real Madrid and #MUFC,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), adding: “Understand that ManUtd are offering him a contract until 2029 + 1 year option!”
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano posted last week that the Red Devils had made a bid that satisfied Lille. “Manchester United formal bid worth over €50m [$55m/£42m] for Leny Yoro has been accepted by Lille today,” he wrote. “Lille, insisting with Yoro to accept Man Utd as it’s best proposal on their table. Leny Yoro has always given priority to Real Madrid, waiting for them. Decision up to Yoro.”
Romano then posted an update of sorts earlier today, saying that Yoro’s future is “still depending on his decision,” as if this was a development of any kind. Is no news good news? Not in this instance for Liverpool. If the big dogs of transfer stories are making no mention of the Reds, it appears Richard Hughes and Arne Slot will need to look elsewhere for a new central defender.
Liverpool.com says: As much as Liverpool may have wanted to buy Yoro, it felt unlikely it would break the bank (in relative terms) in order to sign a youngster . Only 10 center-backs in the world are worth more, at least in the opinion of Transfermarkt . Yoro looks good but there is almost certainly better value options out there. 'Never liked him anyway,' and all that.
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