In a major coup, Manchester United has secured the services of 18-year-old Lille defender Leny Yoro for £59.1 million, beating out heavyweights Real Madrid and Liverpool for his signature.
Despite reports that Real Madrid was Yoro's preferred destination, United managed to sway the French talent by agreeing to a deal starting at £52.2 million, with potential add-ons totaling £7 million. Yoro, hailed as the top teenage defensive prospect, has committed to a five-year contract with an additional 12-month option at Old Trafford.
Expressing his excitement, Yoro stated, "Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honor. From my first conversations with the club, they outlined a clear development plan for me in Manchester as part of this exciting project and showed immense care for me and my family. Knowing the history of young players at Manchester United, I believe it's the perfect place to reach my potential and achieve my ambitions alongside my new teammates. I cannot wait to get started."
Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth lauded Yoro, saying, "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."
Yoro made 41 appearances in all competitions for Lille last season, scoring three goals. His transfer to Manchester United marks him as the third most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history.
