Manchester United are going all guns blazing in the transfer market and they’ve clearly identified the middle of defence as their area of priority.
Matthijs de Ligt’s transfer looks like a matter of when, and not if, while the negotiations for Jarrad Branthwaite’s transfer keep going as their first two bids have been rejected.
United, however, do not see their defensive business end there, as they are prepared to sanction a triple signing, complete with “generational talent” Leny Yoro.
However, with Yoro’s reluctance to move to Old Trafford, sparking fears over repeating Glazers’ big embarrassment two years ago, there was a feeling that the club might need to pivot.
Leny Yoro transfer- How Man United rate their chances
In most deals, agreeing on personal terms with the player is generally the first, and the easiest step as the selling club makes things difficult.
However, in this case, United’s bid has been accepted but they face a fight to convince Yoro that they are the best immediate destination for him.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reports that United are “undeterred” by Yoro’s reluctance to move to Old Trafford and are determined to try and convince him.
They hope their “no-nonsense” approach to negotiations turns his head as they have been far more proactive than any other club in trying to secure his signature.
It is worth noting that before United’s €50 million bid was accepted, the biggest offer Lille had on the table for Yoro was £17 million from Real Madrid. The Spanish champions know that Yoro wants to join them so they are lowballing Lille, hoping either the player kicks up a fuss or he leaves on a free transfer next year.
Meanwhile, Lille are insisting Yoro accept the United move as it provides them with the best terms, an understandable stance considering the potential of the player they are losing.
Laying down a marker
Whether United fail or succeed in completing this transfer, it lays down a marker and sends a message. Firstly, a proactive United are here after years of dithering under the Glazers.
Secondly, bidding on multiple targets at the same time keeps selling clubs on their toes, as Everton now know United are not bluffing if they say they’ll move on to another player if the asking price for Jarrad Branthwaite doesn’t come down.
Most importantly, while Madrid are antagonising Lille by making a power play with a low bid, relying on the player being unsettled, United are getting the upper hand by being fair in negotiations.
Maintaining good relations with clubs when they are trying to reset their image in the market will go a long way in helping them in future deals as well. Ultimately, the chase for Yoro, failed or successful, will do no harm to United in the long term.
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