The 18-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world and appears destined to depart Lille during the transfer window. After playing less than 1,000 minutes during the 2022/23 campaign, Yoro cemented his reputation as a generational talent last season.
The center-back only missed two league games as Lille missed out on automatic qualification for the Champions League in agonizing fashion after conceding a last-minute equalizer to Nice on the final day. Yoro looked devastated at full-time in, realistically, his final game for Lille and some of the biggest clubs in Europe are vying for his services this summer.
Who wants to sign Leny Yoro?
Several top clubs want to sign Yoro but Real Madrid are in the driving seat. It’s been widely reported that the Frenchman has informed the Spanish giants that he wants to join them and it’s now down to Lille and Madrid agreeing a fee. But news emerged on July 9th that Lille had accepted a bid from Man United for Yoro as the Old Trafford side looked to steal a march on their rivals. It’s understood that bit was €50m plus add-ons, which is nearly identical to Yoro’s market value on Transfermarkt is €50m – he is the most valuable player in the world born in 2005. Yoro, however, only has one year left on his contract and that leaves Lille in a vulnerable position. Manchester United and Liverpool have enquired about the center-back, while PSG is known admirers, but Yoro’s determination to join Madrid means the Santiago Bernabeu is his expected destination.
Despite Yoro’s contract situation, Ronan Caroff – French area manager at Transfermarkt – insists Lille will remain tough negotiators.
“The high demand in Yoro not only stems from his high level performances, but also other qualities such as his incredible maturity and focus – which aren’t always common in young professional players. At an era where major clubs target young talents, Yoro seems to tick all the boxes – on and off the pitch – to be the ideal candidate for a transfer. But Lille are known as fierce negotiators – Victor Osimhen was sold for €75m and they’ve not sold Jonathan David despite interest – so Yoro being a huge topic this summer is no surprise.”
How good is Leny Yoro?
Yoro is an incredible talent and he possesses all the characteristics required from a modern centre-back. He’s exceptionally quick and performs almost a sweeper role at Lille as he thwarts danger by covering his other defenders. Yoro’s understanding of the game defies his age and he’s extremely composed. As the graphic below illustrates, Yoro’s market value rose more than any other defender across the 2023/24 season, increasing by €40m.
Former Lille manager Paulo Fonseca – who joined AC Milan this summer – spoke glowingly about Yoro in November, stating: “It’s not normal to have an 18-year-old like Leny, with the maturity and technical qualities he has. For me, he’ll be one of the best central defenders in France and probably in Europe. He’s very well-balanced, and there’s no doubt that he’s going to be a great player.” Thierry Henry has included Yoro in his France squad for the Olympics next month and the Arsenal Legend has praised the Lille starlet for his ability to ‘balance’ defenses.
Raphaël Varane Comparisons
During his fledgling career, Yoro has drawn comparisons to two iconic center-backs, Raphaël Varane and Virgil van Dijk. His play style influences comparisons with Van Djik at Lille and his calmness but the similarities to Varane are more pronounced. “Their similar size aside, there is indeed a comparison to be made between Yoro and Varane,” Caroff added. “Especially how early both rose to the status of strong defensive prospect, targeted by the biggest clubs in Europe.”
Sourced from; Transfermarkt.com
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