Manchester United Announce New Signing Yoro

Manchester United have officially announced the signing of 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro from Lille. The deal, worth a reported £52.06m, will see Yoro join the Red Devils on a five-year contract with an option for an additional year.

Yoro, who made his Lille debut at the age of 16, has attracted significant interest from a number of top European clubs, with Real Madrid repeatedly mentioned as one of the sides keen to sign the player. However, United were able to convince the teenager to move to Old Trafford rather than wait for a future transfer to the Bernabeu.

In an official club statement, Yoro spoke of his reasons for moving to Manchester United, saying: “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 team-mates.”

Sporting director Dan Ashworth labeled the newest signing as “one of the most exciting young defenders in world football,” and believes that the youngster will be a major success at the football club.

Yoro could be available to play immediately, having not competed in Euro 24 and having withdrawn from the French Olympics team. He will immediately join in pre-season training and is expected to be part of the club’s tour of the United States.

The signing of Yoro represents a significant coup for Manchester United, especially considering the interest from Real Madrid. It also marks a change of guard behind the scenes at the club, with the arrival of Yoro seen as a key part of the club’s plans for the future.

The 18-year-old is highly regarded as one of the best teenagers in the world, ranked fifth in 2024’s Golden Boy index. He played 32 times in the league last season and scored two goals as he helped Lille finish fourth in the league.

United have agreed a £27m fee with French club Marseille for striker Mason Greenwood, while defender Willy Kambwala left United to join La Liga outfit Villarreal last week for a fee of around £9m.

The arrival of Yoro is seen as a major statement of intent from Manchester United, and fans will be hoping that he can help the club return to the top of English and European football.