Transfer Centre

Four-way battle: Which club will win the race for Leny Yoro this summer?

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 23 June 2024

Old Trafford? Anfield? A look at the clubs battling for generational talent Yoro

Sports Mole discusses the situation of Lille centre-back Leny Yoro, with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain all competing to sign him.

Leny Yoro is regarded as one of the most outstanding young talents in modern football.

The 6ft 3in centre-back came through the youth system at Lille, progressing to first-team level in 2022, and he has represented the French outfit at senior level on 60 occasions.

Last term, the France Under-21s international made 44 appearances, but his contract is up next June, and Lille are widely expected to cash-in on the teenager this summer.

The price is thought to be around €60m (£51m), and here Sports Mole has taken a look at the clubs in the battle to sign the in-demand defender before the end of the transfer window.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti during the press conference on May 7, 2024 © Reuters

Real Madrid have long been regarded as the favourites for Yoro, and it is believed that the teenager wants to make the move to the European champions over any other club.

Journalist Mario Cortegana recently claimed that Yoro has informed Los Blancos of his desire to move to Madrid, but the report in The Athletic says that no direct talks between the two clubs have taken place.

It is thought to be possible that Yoro could spend the 2024-25 campaign with Lille before moving to Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer, but Nacho has allegedly decided to leave the capital giants on a free transfer, which would strengthen Real Madrid's desire to sign a new centre-back in the current window.

The other three clubs in the race for Yoro allegedly believe that Real Madrid are very much in the driving seat, with Carlo Ancelotti's side regarded as the huge favourites to secure his signature.

Manchester United

Manchester United's Erik ten Hag celebrates in August 2023 © Reuters

According to Sky Sports News, Man United have made 'initial contact' with Lille to discuss the possibility of Yoro moving to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils are also attempting to sign Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, but a deal is a long way off, and Yoro is thought to be regarded by Erik ten Hag's side as a leading target.

Raphael Varane will officially leave Man United on a free transfer at the end of the month, while Victor Lindelof could be sold, which would likely see two new centre-backs arrive.

The Red Devils are believed to be confident of winning the race for Yoro if Real Madrid decide against an official move, and it would be a huge statement of intent from the 20-time English champions.

Liverpool

Arne Slot who has been appointed Liverpool head coach from June 1, the club have announced on June 5, 2024 © Imago

The Premier League interest in Yoro is said to be headlined by both Man United and Liverpool, with the Merseyside giants also seemingly determined to win the race for his signature.

The Reds will be in the Champions League next season, which could hand them an advantage over Man United, while there could potentially be a spot for Yoro alongside Virgil van Dijk in the back four next season.

Liverpool are entering a new era under Arne Slot, though, so there are a lot of unknowns at this moment in time, and Jurgen Klopp's departure could cost the Reds some deals this summer.

That being said, the club are in the argument for Yoro, with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming in his column for CaughtOffside that Liverpool "will be there" if a switch to Real Madrid falls through.

Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Luis Enrique before the match on April 24, 2024 © Reuters

According to French football expert Jonathan Johnson, in his column for CaughtOffside, PSG are also firmly in the running for Yoro's signature this summer.

Johnson has claimed that Lille 'will not stand in Yoro's way' in terms of a departure, and PSG are said to be gaining confidence that a deal could potentially be done to keep him in France.

Luis Enrique's side have allegedly 'gained a lot of ground', with the club now in a solid position, but as mentioned above, all three of the challengers are playing catch-up to Real Madrid.

Yoro might feel that his development would be best served by spending another few years in French football before potentially moving to La Liga or the Premier League in the future.

All four clubs are seemingly willing to meet Lille's asking price, and it will be fascinating to see which side wins the race for a player who is being tipped to be one of the best centre-backs in world football in the coming years.