Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils secure Leny Yoro move, West Ham United want English ace, and more - July 18, 2024
Manchester United are working to add more quality to their squad before the start of the new campaign. Erik ten Hag has already brought in Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna this summer and is now focused on reinforcing his defense.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have agreed a deal to sign Leny Yoro this summer. Elsewhere, West Ham United have set their sights on Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from July 18, 2024.
Manchester United secure Leny Yoro move, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United have won the race for Leny Yoro, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The French defender is a rising star in the world of football and the Red Devils have managed a coup by convincing him to move to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag identified Yoro as a target early this summer, but the 18-year-old was also wanted by Real Madrid. However, Los Blancos were reluctant to pay a premium fee for the player whose contract with Lille was set to expire next summer.
The Premier League giants moved quickly to agree a deal with their Ligue 1 counterparts. They initiated talks with the player next and have also convinced him to agree to a deal.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano stated that the player will sign a five-year contract with Manchester United soon.
“Lille already accepted an offer last week of €50m plus €12m in add-ons – a fantastic offer for Lille for a player who is out of contract next summer – and then United were also able to agree a contract with Yoro, who will join on a five-year deal with the option of one more year on top of that," wrote Romano
He continued:
"Yoro has already been in Manchester in the last 24 hours to undergo medical tests, with the first part of those tests already done. He will complete more tests and then sign the contract as a new Manchester United player."
Romano added that the player wanted to move to the Santiago Bernabeu, but was moved by the Red Devils' efforts to secure his services.
“Real Madrid was Yoro’s biggest dream, he really wanted to go there, but then he decided to move to Man United after seeing how strong and convincing they were in talks with the player and his family, also in terms of the project and offering him an important salary,” wrote Romano.
Yoro appeared 44 times across competitions last season for Lille, 40 of which were starts and could be Raphael Varane's successor at Old Trafford.
West Ham United want Aaron Wan Bissaka
West Ham United are planning a move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer, according to talkSPORT. The English right-back is no longer a first choice under Erik ten Hag, who is likely to look for an upgrade for the position this summer.
Wan-Bissaka is already behind Diogo Dalot in the pecking order at Old Trafford and the club are eager to let him go. The Hammers are planning for a fresh start under Julen Lopetegui and are in the market for a new right-back.
The London club have set their sights on Wan-Bissaka, who has entered the final year of his contract with Manchester United. The player has blown hot and cold during his tenure at the club but could be a fine option for West Ham.
The Red Devils are willing to let the 26-year-old leave for more than £15 million this summer.
Matthijs de Ligt eager to join Red Devils, says Fabrizio Romano
Matthijs de Ligt has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. Recent reports have suggested that Manchester United are already in talks with Bayern Munich to sign the 24-year-old this summer.
Erik ten Hag is well aware of the player's abilities, having worked with him at Ajax. As such, a move was expected to materialise this summer. However, the Red Devils have shifted their focus to Leny Yoro of late, raising questions about their plans for De Ligt.
Speaking on his Playback channel, Romano stated that the club will have to offload players to sign another defender this summer.
“Let me say that this will have an impact on Matthijs de Ligt, because obviously Manchester United now can’t spend €100 million, more than €100 million on two centre-backs without outgoings. So Man United still want to sign two centre-backs this summer," said Romano.
He continued:
"So trying to sell some players. Matthijs de Ligt remains a strong option. Also, Jarrad Branthwaite is a player they like, but is considered almost impossible in terms of price and in terms of total package needed."
Romano concluded:
"Matthijs de Ligt remains keen on a move to Manchester United, but Man United never closed the deal with Bayern because they were waiting for Leny Yoro. Now they are close to signing Leny Yoro, De Ligt keeps waiting for Manchester United.”
De Ligt appeared 30 times across competitions last season, struggling with lingering injuries, and his contract at the Allianz Arena runs until 2027.