Manchester United Beat Real Madrid to Sign Leny Yoro from Lille

Manchester United has secured the signing of young French defender Leny Yoro from Ligue 1 side Lille. The 18-year-old has joined the Premier League outfit on a contract that runs until June 2029, with an option to extend for an additional year. The club announced the signing in an official statement, noting that the deal is subject to registration.

Yoro, who has already made 60 appearances for Lille’s first team, was recognized as one of the standout players in Ligue 1 last season by being included in the Team of the Season. His contributions were pivotal in helping Lille secure a fourth-place finish in the league.

Following his signing, Yoro expressed his excitement about joining Manchester United, highlighting the club’s ambition and the clear developmental plan presented to him. “Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honour,” Yoro said. “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.”

Yoro also acknowledged the club’s history of nurturing young talent and expressed his eagerness to begin his journey. “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. I cannot wait to get started,” he added.

Manchester United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, praised Yoro’s potential and attributes. “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,” Ashworth said. “Having had such an excellent start to his career, we are excited to support him in reaching his immense potential here at Manchester United.”

Ashworth also emphasized the club’s commitment to developing young players, whether homegrown or recruited from elsewhere. “This club has a fantastic record of developing young players 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,” he concluded.

Manchester United’s acquisition of Yoro underscores their commitment to building a strong future with young, promising talent.