Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of signing 18-year-old center-back Leny Yoro from Lille, as the young star travels to the U.K. for a medical and to finalize personal terms.
After weeks of negotiations, United and Lille are thought to have agreed on a transfer fee of around €62 million ($67.9m) for Yoro, with The Athletic's David Ornstein indicating that a deal is set to be concluded imminently.
Despite initially preferring a move to Real Madrid, the French youth international now appears to be leaning towards joining United, with the Spanish giants showing no intention of matching Lille's valuation.
The French club have opted to sell Yoro this summer rather than risk losing him for free when his contract expires in June 2025.
United still admire other defensive talents, and have been linked with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, however, it is thought that any further signings would likely depend on player departures to create financial and squad space.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Leny Yoro flying to UK to take medical + finalise personal terms as Man Utd push to complete signing from Lille. 18yo defender initially favoured #RMFC but #LOSC accepted initial €62m #MUFC bid - still work to do but now close @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/Vz5gTFH2Xx
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 17, 2024
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Who is Lenny Yoro? Manchester United potential new signing in profile
Yoro's potential transfer is a significant step for United, who see him as a key addition to their new-look defense.
The teenager has come through the ranks at Lille, starting out in the club's B team before making his senior first-team debut against Nice in May, 2022.
He made 32 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, and was also a regular starter in the club's Europa Conference League campaign.
Yoro has progressed through the France national set-up, and has won caps from Under-17 level all the way through to Under-21.
Other top clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool, were believed to have also shown interest in Yoro.
