Liverpool began negotiations with Lille over a possible transfer of Leny Yoro by sending their opening offer of €50 million to the Ligue 1 side. However, Lille have rejected the Reds’ offer for the 18-year old center back. Reports suggest that Lille want €60 million for Yoro.
Moreover, Liverpool will have to battle Premier League rivals Manchester United over the center back. Additionally, European heavyweights Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid are also keen on signing the young defender.
Yoro graduated from Lille academy in 2022. Subsequently, he would play for the Lille B team in 2022 and some parts of 2023 making 13 appearances. Moreover, Yoro’s services were also required by the first team at times in 2021 and 2022.
The 18-year old center back established himself as a regular starter this campaign. Additionally, he was quite impressive making 60 appearances and scoring 3 goals this season. Yoro earned a place into the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year for his amazing gameplay throughout the campaign.
Yoro started his international career with France U17 squad in 2021. However, the 18-year old is yet to win a senior cap for the Les Blues. Unfortunately, he also did not make the cut for Didier Deschamp’s France EURO squad.
Why do Liverpool want Leny Yoro?
Liverpool are already under transition under newly arriving Arne Slot. Moreover, the Reds also witnessed multiple changes in the coaching staff. Additionally, several players are considering exiting Anfield amidst Jurgen Klopp’s departure and the dawn of a new era.
The Reds need some reinforcements. Particularly, in defense to maintain their quality and squad depth to compete for the title. 32-year old Joel Matip will be leaving the Reds as a free agent. Virgil Van Dijk has been a class apart for Liverpool so far, however he is ageing.
Additionally, Joe Gomez functions more like a utility player supporting the backline at Anfield. Ibrahima Konate is good but has proven to be injury prone and inconsistent. Jarell Quansah has been great but lacks experience. Moreover, Rhyse Williams has a lot of room for improvement to break into the squad.
The acquisition of Leny Yoro could be key for Liverpool. The 18-year old could form a strong defensive duo with Van Dijk at the back. The combination of youth and experience at the back may turn them into a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Liverpool to engage in a bidding war for the 18-year old defender?
The Reds face stiff competition for Yoro. However, they believe that Yoro prefers move to Real Madrid instead.
Luis Enrique’s PSG remain interested looking to sign a young alternative option and strengthen defense further. PSG already house talented center backs like Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez and Milan Skriniar. However, if Yoro prefers to stay in France, what better than to play for the best French team!
Manchester United are hoping to sign the youngster. Especially, considering their desperate defensive requirements. The Red Devils were exceptionally poor at the back this season. Moreover, their injury problems would not seem to stop. Yoro could be a fabulous signing for United and could partner with Lisandro Martinez at the back fostering a young United backline.
Finally, Spanish Giants Real Madrid have their eyes set on Yoro. Los Blancos have made some serious signings acquiring players like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Eduardo Camavinga in recent years. Moreover, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have already signed Kylian Mbappe for free and Endrick will also be joining Madrid.
Los Blancos did experience some defensive trouble in the previous season with David Alaba and Eder Militao ruled out with injuries. Moreover, Madrid have an ageing lineup with players like Antonio Rudiger starting currently. Moreover, Nacho recently announced that he will be leaving the Santiago Bernabeu. Madrid are keen to make the most of the situation and could find their ideal replacement in the form of young Leny Yoro.
Many fans are aware of Yoro’s favoritism towards Madrid yet they desperately want him to join Liverpool. It will be interesting to see who wins the race for the 18-year old.
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