Leny Yoro is on his way to Manchester United, according to The Guardian and The Athletic. The eighteen-year-old defender from Lille is set to become the second top signing for Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United is reported to have reached an agreement with Lille over a transfer for 62 million euros.
According to The Guardian, the transfer fee consists of a fixed amount of 50 million and 12 million in potential bonuses. The Frenchman is flying to England this Wednesday to undergo a medical examination and to finalize personal terms with Man Utd, The Athletic reports.
The Red Devils are demonstrating their decisiveness. Yoro was also of interest to Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool. He would have preferred to wait for Real Madrid, but they have not shown a willingness to pay the same amount as Man Utd. The Frenchman is in high demand because he impressed as a central defender in Ligue 1 at a very young age, having made his debut for Lille at the age of sixteen. His defensive skills, composure on the ball, and ability to read the game have made him one of the most promising young defenders in Europe.
If all goes well, Ten Hag can welcome his second signing for the new season. After the manager extended his contract, Joshua Zirkzee joined from Bologna for over forty million euros. Zirkzee’s addition strengthens United’s attacking options, providing a versatile forward who can play across the front line. The Dutch forward is known for his goal-scoring ability and technical skills, which will add depth to United's offense.
The imminent arrival of Yoro does not mean Matthijs de Ligt has been forgotten, according to the aforementioned media. Ideally, Man Utd would still like to bring the Dutchman from Bayern Munich or former PSV player Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton. De Ligt, known for his leadership and defensive prowess, would be a significant addition to United’s backline. Similarly, Branthwaite’s potential makes him an attractive target for future development.
However, the club would need the resources for such moves, potentially by selling a central defender like Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelöf. Maguire and Lindelöf have both faced scrutiny for their performances, and their departures could free up funds and squad space for new arrivals. This potential reshuffling of the squad indicates that Ten Hag is keen on building a robust and dynamic team capable of competing at the highest levels.
The ongoing transfer activity shows Manchester United's commitment to strengthening their squad and addressing key areas that need reinforcement. With Yoro and Zirkzee potentially joining, and the club still eyeing other top talents, United fans have reasons to be optimistic about the upcoming season. The strategic acquisitions reflect Ten Hag's vision for the team, aiming to blend experienced players with emerging talents to create a balanced and competitive side.
