Manchester United have completed the signing of defender Leny Yoro from Lille.
The Frenchman has signed a five-year deal through to 2029 with the option of another year that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2030.
United will pay an initial transfer fee of €62million (£52m; $67.9m) alongside a further €8m in add-ons.
He said: “Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honour. 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.”
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The Athletic reported that the 18-year-old was flying to the UK to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms with his new club on Wednesday.
Yoro decided on Tuesday night to join United in a transfer with a maximum valuation of €70million, which includes add-ons.
United sporting director Dan Ashworth has said of the deal: “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.”
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Leny Yoro is one of Europe’s best talents. It’s no wonder Man Utd and Real Madrid are on the case
His original preference was to join Real Madrid, who were also credited with an interest, but they showed no indication of paying the price that United and Lille settled on.
The teenager warmed to the idea of joining United, and the club has signed a player widely regarded in the game as being a generational talent.
Yoro, who had one year left on his Lille contract, rose through the French club’s youth academy before making his first-team debut in May 2022 aged just 16.
He established himself as one of the top defensive prospects in Ligue 1, making 60 appearances for Lille.
United, meanwhile, continue to admire the likes of Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. However, any new signings will likely depend on player departures to free up finances and squad space.
Yoro similarities to Van Dijk
Analysis by tactics writer Anantaajith Raghuraman
Yoro is a throwback defender in some respects, due to his tendency to operate as the last man in Lille’s defence.
While he stays deeper, Yoro is agile and reads danger well, akin to Liverpool’s centre-back and captain Virgil van Dijk.
Given his age and the areas he typically occupies on the pitch, it is not surprising that Yoro tends to err on the side of caution with both his passing and ball carrying.
The advantage he brings is that he has the qualities needed to step into the starting XI but can also be developed for a season before becoming a full-time first-choice.
(Main image: Manchester United FC)
