Man Utd pipped Liverpool to Leny Yoro deal after repeating Chelsea transfer trick

Manchester United has secured the signing of Lille defender Leny Yoro, having agreed to his $67million fee despite his contract expiring in a year's time .

Yoro completed his medical and signed his contract on Thursday night, providing United with a new center-back to fill the void left by Raphael Varane's departure. The deal initially seemed complex from United's perspective, as Real Madrid was Yoro's preferred destination and the transfer fee was still under negotiation.

Liverpool were also reportedly interested in Yoro, but opted not to match United's bid. And United replicated their strategy used when they signed Mason Mount from Chelsea, paying a premium for a player nearing the end of his contract, thereby outmaneuvering clubs hoping to sign him on a free transfer next year.

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Yoro inked a three-year contract with Lille in 2022, which had been set to expire in June 2025. This situation almost compelled Lille to accept United's offer, even though Yoro had his sights set on a move to the Champions League winners next summer.

Depending on one's viewpoint, United has either shrewdly or inadvertently paid the player's fee. By shelling out a hefty $67m, United have effectively snatched a player from his preferred club. Real Madrid were keen to wait until Yoro's contract ran its course, but Lille wanted to secure some form of payment for him. This allowed United to swoop in and complete a deal for the Frenchman.

The price tag was perhaps steeper than one might hope for a player nearing the end of his contract, but it was necessary to outbid another interested club.

Both Mount and Yoro could have switched clubs without a fee the following summer, but Chelsea and Lille were keen to make a sale and generate funds. After three unsuccessful attempts in the case of Mount, Chelsea had no option but to yield to United and pocket $69m. Mount's stint at Old Trafford hasn't exactly been smooth sailing, so only time will tell if meeting Yoro's asking price was a wise move.

It's still up in the air whether Yoro will be the only defensive addition to United's squad this summer. Everton have turned down two offers for young Englishman Jarrad Branthwaite, and Matthijs de Ligt has also been strongly linked with a Premier League switch, with a fee reportedly agreed upon. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are also rumored to be facing the axe this summer.