Leny Yoro tipped to follow in the footsteps of £75m history-maker, Rio Ferdinand told it would be ‘easy’

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When Manchester United signed Leny Yoro last summer, it was a deal which epitomised the project Ineos were undertaking.

Leny Yoro, at the time, had just come off a breakthrough season with Lille in which he established himself as the world’s best teenage defender.

Yoro was seen as generational, with his signature desired across Europe including by Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Los Blancos in particular were hoping to sign Yoro, with it being considered a given he would end up a Galactico this season or next.

Manchester United won the race, which left Real Madrid stunned. This move signalled a change in the transfer policy for United and while impressing in his opening few months – there is still plenty more to come for Yoro.

• READ MORE: Who Is Leny Yoro? Parents, Social Media, Lille Career, Man Utd Move

Leny Yoro could reach Virgil van Dijk’s levels

As much as United signed Yoro for his current quality, it is the potential which is what convinced United to part with £52m for his signature.

Yoro was on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel this week for an exclusive interview. During this, United legend Ferdinand told Yoro what his former teammate Jose Fonte had said about the teenager’s ability.

“Jose Fonte said to me ‘If he carries on working hard and continues to develop, he can reach Virgil van Dijk’s level, easy’.”

This is high praise, with the £75m centre-back, Van Dijk, the first and only defender to win the UEFA Mens’ Best Player award – while also being a four-time FIFPRO team of the year member – so Yoro is in good company.

Also while speaking to Ferdinand, Yoro revealed that it is a dream for him to play for United.

“When I was a kid, everyone was watching Manchester United. It’s a dream to be here.”

• READ MORE: Who is Rio Ferdinand? Age, Height, Wife, Children, Net Worth

Yoro will be a world-beater for Manchester United

Yoro’s United career started horribly, with his injury suffered in pre-season keeping him out right through until December 2024.

Since returning, Amorim has been slowly integrating him and giving him minutes to acclimatise to English football – which will take some time for the 19-year-old.

Yoro hasn’t blown anyone away, but he isn’t supposed to. He’s developing and as a centre-back, it usually takes longer anyway.

What is encouraging is that Yoro has shown glimpses in almost every appearance that he has the quality needed – with Yoro shining against Liverpool particularly – he just needs consistency and then he will become a world-beater.

If Yoro ends up anything like a prime Van Dijk, United have hit the jackpot.