Real Madrid dealt blow as PL giants lead race to sign club's transfer target - Reports
Manchester United have reportedly leapfrogged Real Madrid in the race to sign LOSC Lille defender Leny Yoro. The La Liga giants were initially viewed as favorites but have fallen behind the Premier League heavyweights in pursuit of the French starlet.
France Football journalist Nabil Djellit reports that Yoro, 18, is negotiating salary conditions with the Red Devils. He's open to arriving at Old Trafford, and United are now favorites to sign him.
Yoro enjoyed a breakout 2023-24 campaign, leading him to become one of Europe's most in-demand teenagers. The 6ft2in center-back made 44 appearances across competitions, helping Lille keep 20 clean sheets. He also netted three goals at Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
United agreed on a €45 million deal with Lille for Yoro last week, per ESPN. They are willing to pay more than Real Madrid, who have been noted as Yoro's 'dream club' throughout the transfer saga.
Los Blancos were said to be confident of sealing Yoro's capture but they might need to take action now that he's negotiating with United. He quickly dismissed a fake X account of himself last week when the parody account suggested he wasn't interested in joining the Red Devils.
Real Madrid reportedly view Leny Yoro as the Kylian Mbappe of defenders
Real Madrid has already sealed Kylian Mbappe's arrival, and he was unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu today (July 16). The France captain is undoubtedly one of European football's most exciting attackers.
Carlo Ancelotti is building a strong French rapport at the Bernabeu, with Mbappe joining Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ferland Mendy. Yoro looked likely to be the next French arrival until the latest twist involving United came to light.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Madrid views Yoro as 'the Mbappe of defenders.' Given his rise at Lille, they evidently feel he is a future megastar and a generational talent.
Lille manager Paulo Foncesca gave a glowing verdict of Yoro before leaving the Ligue 1 side earlier this year. He said (via Manchester Evening News):
"It's not normal to have an 18-year-old player like Leny with this maturity and the technical qualities he has. For me, he will be one of the best central defenders in France and probably in Europe. He is very balanced, and there is no doubt that he will be a very great player."
Yoro has earned comparisons to Raphael Varane, who spent 10 years becoming a hero at Real Madrid before leaving for United in 2021. The French wonderkid's aerial ability, speed, and composure on the ball have earned him major plaudits.