18-year-old defender Leny Yoro joins Man United from Lille

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United announced the signing of 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro from Lille on Thursday.

The France Under-21 center back cost a reported 62 million euros ($68 million) with 8 million euros in performance-related add-ons. He has agreed a five-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

He is United’s second signing of the transfer window after Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee joined from Bologna.

“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 Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth. “Having had such an excellent start to his career, we are excited to support him in reaching his immense potential here at Manchester United.”

United said the deal was subject to Yoro’s registration going through.

United manager Erik ten Hag wanted to strengthen his defense during the offseason following the departure of French World Cup winner Raphael Varane.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has also been targeted, while Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt is reportedly of interest.

Yoro’s breakthrough season at Lille came in the 2022-23 campaign when he played 13 times in France’s top division. He was a regular last season and made 41 appearances.

He was included in Thierry Henry’s preliminary France squad for the Paris Olympics, but left out of the final selection.

“I know about the history of young players at Manchester United and feel it can be the perfect place to reach my potential and achieve my ambitions, together with my new teammates,” Yoro said in a statement. “I cannot wait to get started.”

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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer