Manchester United announced on Thursday that they have signed 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro from Lille.
The French Under-21 center-back reportedly cost 62 million euros ($68 million), with an additional 8 million euros based on his performance. He has agreed to a five-year contract with the option for another year.
Yoro is United’s second signing this transfer window, following the arrival of Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
Manchester United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth commented, “Leny is one of the most promising young defenders in global football; he possesses all the qualities needed to develop into a top-notch center-back. With his strong start to his career, we look forward to helping him fulfill his immense potential here at Manchester United.”
The completion of the deal is pending Yoro’s registration.
Manager Erik ten Hag aimed to bolster the team’s defense after the departure of French World Cup winner Raphael Varane. The club has shown interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and reportedly Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt.
Yoro had a breakthrough season with Lille in 2022-23, appearing 13 times in France’s top league. He became a regular last season, making 41 appearances.
Although he was initially included in Thierry Henry’s preliminary squad for the Paris Olympics, Yoro did not make the final cut.
Expressing his excitement about joining Manchester United, Yoro stated, “I am aware of the club’s tradition of nurturing young talent and believe it is the perfect place for me to develop and achieve my goals alongside my new teammates. I am eager to begin this new chapter.”
