Manchester United have made a significant move in the transfer market by signing 18-year-old Leny Yoro from Lille. The young defender has joined the Red Devils on a five-year deal, with the option of extending for a further year. The deal, potentially worth up to €70 million (£58.8m, $76.5m), highlights United’s commitment to investing in young talent. But was this a smart move? Let’s break it down.
Why Yoro?
The Opportunity United Couldn’t Miss
Manchester United have been tracking Yoro for a while. They see him as an unmissable opportunity, especially after missing out on Eduardo Camavinga to Real Madrid in 2021.
This time United moved swiftly and decisively. Club leaders and the manager have held multiple meetings with Yoro to outline his role in the team ensuring he felt valued and understood his potential fit within the squad.
United’s Summer Strategy
Yoro is United’s second major signing this summer, following the acquisition of 23-year-old forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £36.5 million. With more than six weeks left in the transfer window, United are also looking to strengthen other areas particularly a defensive midfielder and an additional center-half. This shows a clear strategy: building a balanced squad with both young potential and experienced talent.
Tactical Fit
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Strengthening the Defense
Yoro’s signing is set to bolster Manchester United’s defense both in the short and long term. With Raphaël Varane’s departure and the injury records of Lisandro Martínez and Harry Maguire Yoro is likely to get significant playing time.
Yoro plays in a style reminiscent of Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. He often stays back to sweep up the danger allowing his defensive partner to engage higher up the pitch. This could complement United’s current defensive setup.
On the Ball
Yoro’s passing and ball-carrying are areas for development. Last season he had a conservative passing style completing 92% of his passes but with a low rate of long and progressive passes.
However, he has shown the ability to deliver ambitious passes in critical moments, suggesting room for growth in this aspect. His ball retention is excellent, although he doesn’t frequently carry the ball forward. Let’s have a look at Leny Yoro’s stats as compared to other Man United defenders:
| Player | Season | Games Played | Total Tackles | Tackle Win % | Interceptions | Aerial Duel Success % | Fouls Committed | Errors |
| Harry Maguire | 2023/24 | 22 | 1.3 | 71 | 1.4 | 78.4 | 1.1 | 0.05 |
| Leny Yoro | 2023/24 | 32 | 1.2 | 69.4 | 1.2 | 63.8 | 0.7 | 0.03 |
| Lisandro Martínez | 2022/23 | 27 | 2.3 | 51.7 | 1.4 | 50.8 | 0.9 | 0 |
| Raphaël Varane | 2023/24 | 22 | 1.2 | 61 | 1 | 80.8 | 0.5 | 0 |
Last Season Rating and Potential
Proven Talent
Yoro broke into Lille’s first team two seasons ago and became a regular starter last season making 44 appearances across all competitions. His performances helped Lille secure a fourth-place finish in Ligue 1 and a spot in the Champions League play-offs. The Frenchman also scored twice showcasing his potential threat in set-piece situations.
Future Potential
According to Football Manager 2024, Yoro is not yet elite but has immense potential. His current ability rating is 119 while United’s top defenders are rated significantly higher.
However, Yoro’s potential ability ranges from 150 to 180 indicating he could become a cornerstone of United’s defense for years to come. This aligns with United’s vision of nurturing young talent and providing them with the environment to thrive.
Financial Considerations
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Market Value and Cost
The €70 million fee is substantial for an 18-year-old reflecting United’s belief in Yoro’s potential. This investment is a gamble, given his relative inexperience at the top level. However, if Yoro reaches his potential, the financial outlay could prove to be a bargain.
Contract and Resale Value
Yoro’s five-year contract with an option for an additional year gives United a solid position to benefit from his development. If he excels his market value will skyrocket, potentially making him one of the most valuable defenders in Europe. Conversely, if he only reaches a good but not elite level, he will still be a valuable squad member.
Risk vs. Reward
Youth and Inexperience
Yoro’s youth and limited top-level experience are the primary risks. However, United’s strategy under Sir Alex Ferguson often involved signing young talents and providing them with a platform to develop.
Post-Ferguson United have tended to sign more established names with mixed results. Yoro represents a return to the club’s roots of investing in young talent with high potential.
Long-Term Vision
Yoro’s signing indicates United’s long-term vision and commitment to building a sustainable and successful squad. While there are risks, the potential rewards are substantial. If Yoro develops as expected, United will have secured a top-class defender for the future.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s signing of Leny Yoro is a calculated gamble with significant potential upside. While the transfer fee is high for a young player Yoro’s talent and potential justify the investment. His addition strengthens United’s defense and aligns with the club’s strategy of nurturing young talent. If Yoro continues his development trajectory this could be a masterstroke for the Red Devils.
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