BREAKING: Man United Officially Complete Blockbuster Leny Yoro Transfer—-The French defender has signed a five-year contract until June 2029, with the option to extend for a further year.
United will pay an initial fee of £52m, with a potential further £6.7m payable in add-ons. Yoro, 18, played 60 first-team games for Lille and was named in the Ligue 1 team of the season last term. He is set to join the United squad immediately and will be involved on the club’s tour of the US, with the players flying out next week for the two week trip.
“Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honour,” said Yoro. “Since my first conversations with the club, they set out a clear plan for how I can develop in Manchester as part of this exciting project, and showed a lot of care for me and my family.
“I know about the history of young players at Manchester United and feel it can be the perfect place to reach my potential and achieve my ambitions, together with my new teammates. I cannot wait to get started.”
Dan Ashworth, Manchester United sporting director, said: “Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; he possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class centre-back.
“Having had such an excellent start to his career we are excited to support him in reaching his immense potential here at Manchester United.
“This club has a fantastic record of developing young players, whether homegrown or brought in from elsewhere, and giving them the required guidance, time and patience to grow and flourish.
“Under Erik ten Hag and our excellent staff we will ensure that Leny has the perfect platform to achieve the success that everyone across the club is aiming for.”Lille were keen to cash in with the defender having 12 months to run on his deal and have banked a huge profit on the teenage sensation, who becomes United’s second major signing of the summer following the capture of Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee.
Yoro only made his debut for Lille two years ago but has enjoyed a rapid rise and played 44 times for the French outfit last term. His performances led to him being named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.
Defence was a major problem for Erik ten Hag’s side last term and they’ve moved to bolster their resources. Raphael Varane was allowed to leave when his contract expired which left a hole in the middle of the backline.
Despite landing Yoro’s signature United could still look to target more quality in that area. Matthijs de Ligt, who previously worked with Ten Hag at Ajax, and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite are both on the club’s shortlist.
