Real Madrid have sold a promising talent who was tipped as an alternative to Leny Yoro.
As Manchester United supporters know only too well – that Cristiano Ronaldo saga lives long in the memory for fans old enough to recall the torturous summers of 2008 and 2009 – the pulling power of Real Madrid is pretty much unrivalled the globe over.
So while United have had a bid in the region of £42 million accepted by Lille for Leny Yoro, even the most glass-half-full members of the Old Trafford support would have to accept that completing a deal for arguably Europe’s best teenage centre-half still feels a little unlikely.
It is no secret that Yoro is dreaming of Real Madrid.
And while Los Blancos are yet to make an offer that matches Man United’s – Fabrizio Romano reports on X that an offer in the 50 million euro bracket has arrived from the Red Devils – the expectation remains that, if Real do, then Yoro will be on his way to the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid still favourites to sign Leny Yoro
Interestingly, Cadena Ser reporter Anton Meana said back in May that Real Madrid were considering a move for fellow youngster Rafa Marin to stay, after a successful loan at Alaves.
“One option was Yoro, the Lille centre-back who is worth a lot of money,” Meana explained. “Madrid is looking at him but does not want to pay a fortune for him.
“According to what we have been told, clubs that have asked Real Madrid about Rafa Marin have received the answer that Rafa Marin is staying.
“Nacho (the veteran defender) is leaving. In theory, Yoro would not come.”
Two months on, Rafa Marin is on his way out the door after all.
Real Madrid have confirmed, via a post on their official Instagram account, that an agreement has been reached for Napoli to sign Marin. The 2023 Serie A champions are expected to pay around £10 million.
Is that the sound of the first domino falling in Real Madrid’s own pursuit of 18-year-old Yoro? The man who was supposed to stay in Madrid and keep Yoro out of Carlo Ancelotti’s hands departing after all?
Man United will be hoping that is not the case.
Despite the impending bargain arrival of Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich, United will jump at the chance to bring in the fellow right-footer Yoro if he shows any desire to put pen to paper.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Manchester United are in the mix
As United in Focus have learned, via transfer expert Graeme Bailey, Erik ten Hag’s side are convinced that Leny Yoro is a generational talent. One that simply must be bought, regardless of whether United really need another right-footed centre-half to arrive alongside De Ligt.
“I think Real Madrid are going to take Yoro. I would love him to come to Man United,” Red Devils icon Rio Ferdinand says on his Vibe with Five podcast, likening the 6ft 4ins colossus with Arsenal’s William Saliba
“If you’re looking Leny Yoro, please accept and come to Man United, please. Man United, please, make the offer and please accept because this kid, I think his ceiling is as high as anybody right now, including Saliba.
“Physically, he’s not as developed or formidable. But he’s a different kind of central defender. He’s quick, and he tries to nibble to get in front, he can play, he’s long, tall, and mobile.”
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