Transfer Centre

"They can leave this summer" - Manchester United handed double transfer boost

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 14 June 2024

Manchester United are handed a transfer boost after the president of a French club revealed that two of their players can leave in the summer transfer window.

Manchester United have seemingly been handed a considerable transfer boost ahead of pursuing new signings.

Having established earlier this week that Erik ten Hag would remain as head coach, United can now focus on trying to make new additions ahead of 2024-25.

A number of areas are being targeted, including centre-back and attack with Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial each departing on free transfers.

The Red Devils have been linked with a wide array of names for both positions, and much may depend on how they negotiate further exits in order to bolster their position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

However, with regards to two players who they have been heavily linked with in the past, the door has been left ajar for a proposal to be put forward.

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe in action with Lille's Leny Yoro on December 17, 2023 © Reuters

Lille president gives green light to Yoro, David exits

Young defender Leny Yoro and forward Jonathan David have allegedly been on United's radar for some time, particularly the latter who has long been linked with a move to a bigger club.

Lille president Olivier Letang was present at a press conference on Thursday to confirm that Bruno Genesio had been appointed as their new head coach.

Nevertheless, while addressing the media, the subject of player departures came up, and Letang made it known that two of the club's key players could move elsewhere.

Letang said: "Leny Yoro and Jonathan David can leave the club this summer. Both have the 'exit voucher' due to their contract situation."

The term 'exit voucher' can be perceived to be related to each player having just 12 months remaining on their existing deals.

Jonathan David celebrates scoring their first goal on December 17, 2023 © Reuters

Could Yoro, David move to Old Trafford?

While Lille will not be prepared to allow Yoro or David leave on the cheap, they cannot expect to receive the asking prices that would have been in place had they had more time left on their respective contracts.

Even having only turned 18 years of age in November, Yoro is destined to sign for a big club with Real Madrid another of his known suitors.

Already a France Under-21 international, the teenager made 30 starts and two substitute outings in Ligue 1 during 2023-24 as Lille finished in fourth position.

At the other end of the pitch, David contributed 19 goals and four assists, further enhancing the reputation of the Canada international who will have numerous clubs attempting to sign him over the coming months.

United could face competition from AC Milan, who have just announced that Paulo Fonseca - David's former coach at Lille - has been appointed as their new boss.