"Sir Jim means business", "Moving like a big club finally" - Fans react as Fabrizio Romano claims Manchester United have signed teenage star
Leny Yoro's move to Manchester United from LOSC Lille has been given the 'here we go' from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The Old Trafford faithful think Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have pulled off a major coup.
Romano reports that Yoro, 18, has completed the first part of his medical ahead of a proposed move from Lille. He's set to sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford, which will expire in June 2029.
The transfer has been signed off between the Ligue 1 club and Manchester United, and it's worth €50 million plus several add-ons. Yoro's capture is a massive statement of intent from the new Red Devils' owners.
Yoro looked increasingly likely to head to reigning European champions Real Madrid this summer. The La Liga giants were the France U23 international's priority, but Ratcliffe's team has managed to turn his head.
Manchester United are on the verge of signing arguably the most coveted teenage defensive prospect in world football. He's viewed as 'the Kylian Mbappe of defenders' by figures at the Santiago Bernabeu. He appeared 44 times across competitions last season, helping Lille keep 20 clean sheets while chipping in with three goals.
Erik ten Hag's defense needed a shakeup this summer after constant injuries hampered his backline throughout the 2023-24 campaign. Raphael Varane has departed, and Yoro has come in as his direct replacement.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) are delighted with the news as the French teenager is on the brink of becoming INEOS' second signing of their co-ownership.
One fan thinks Ratcliffe is on a mission:
"Sir Jim means business."
Another fan feels Yoro's arrival proves United are headed back to the top:
"United are moving like a big club finally."
One fan echoed those sentiments:
"Wow Manchester (United) on it (100) for this."
Another fan was equally as excited:
"Locked and loaded."
One fan hopes this leads to a successful upcoming season:
"Manchester United making moves, love it, let's make this season a best one guys."
Liverpool reportedly believed Manchester United-bound Leny Yoro would join Real Madrid
Yoro was one of the most in-demand teenagers this summer, and four of Europe's heavyweights were interested. Liverpool and PSG joined Manchester United and Madrid to pursue the Lille centre-back.
The Daily Mail's Chris Wheeler reports that Yoro was the Merseysiders' top target this summer. They pulled out of the race because they thought he only wanted to head to Spain, most likely to join Los Blancos.
This speaks volumes about the groundwork United's recruitment team put into luring Yoro to Old Trafford. They beat three of Europe's big guns, who will all play Champions League football next season while they make do with the Europa League.