Manchester United have secured the signing of French defender Leny Yoro from Lille until 2029 in a deal worth €62 million (£52.18 million), with an additional €8 million (£6.73 million) in potential add-ons.
The 18-year-old centre-back signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with an option for an extra 12 months. Yoro, who debuted for Lille at 16, had attracted interest from Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool.
Yoro made 32 league appearances last season, scoring two goals and helping Lille finish fourth in Ligue 1. His performances earned him a spot in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season.
“Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honour,” Yoro said.
“Since my first conversations with the club, they set out a clear plan for how I can develop in Manchester as part of this exciting project and showed a lot of care for me and my family.
“I know about the history of young players at Manchester United and feel it can be the perfect place to reach my potential and achieve my ambitions, together with my new team-mates. I cannot wait to get started.”
Yoro played 44 matches in all competitions for Lille last season, including their Europa Conference League run, where they reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out by Aston Villa on penalties.
The signing of Yoro follows Manchester United’s recent acquisition of forward Joshua Zirkzee, 23, in a £36.5 million deal from Bologna, as the club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season.
Manchester United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth commented, “Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; he possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class centre-back.
“Having had such an excellent start to his career, we are excited to support him in reaching his immense potential here at Manchester United. This club has a fantastic record of developing young players, whether homegrown or brought in from elsewhere, and giving them the required guidance, time, and patience to grow and flourish.
“Under Erik ten Hag and our excellent staff, we will ensure that Leny has the perfect platform to achieve the success that everyone across the club is aiming for.”
