Manchester United have completed the arrival of defender Leny Yoro from Lille.
The Frenchman has signed a five-year contract until 2029, with an option for a further year, keeping him at Old Trafford until 2030.
United will pay an initial transfer fee of €62 million (£52 million; $67.9 million), supplemented by a further €8 million in add-ons.
He said: “It is an incredible honour to sign for a club of Manchester United’s stature and ambition so early in my career. Since my first discussions with the club, they have set out a clear plan for how I can develop in Manchester as part of this exciting project, and they have shown great care for me and my family.
“I know the history of young players at Manchester United and I think it can be the perfect place for me to reach my potential and realise my ambitions, together with my new team-mates. I can’t wait to get started.”
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The Athletics reported that the 18-year-old flew to the UK on Wednesday to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with his new club.
Yoro decided on Tuesday evening to move to United for a transfer fee of up to €70 million, including bonuses.
United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth said of the deal: “Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; he has all the attributes needed to develop into a top class central defender. After such an excellent start to his career, we are delighted to support him in reaching his immense potential here at Manchester United.
“This club has a fantastic track record of developing young players, whether home-grown or brought in from elsewhere, and giving them the guidance, time and patience they need 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 at the club strives for.”
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Initially, he was keen to join Real Madrid, who were also said to be interested, but there was no sign that the company would pay the price agreed between United and Lille.
The teenager was enthusiastic about the idea of joining United and the club have signed a player who is regarded as a generational talent in the football world.
Yoro, who had a year left on his contract with Lille, progressed through the French club’s youth system before making his first-team debut in May 2022 at the age of 16.
He developed into one of the best defenders in Ligue 1, playing 60 games for Lille.
United, meanwhile, continue to admire players such as Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. However, new signings are likely to be dependent on players leaving to free up finances and squad space.
Yoro similarities with Van Dijk
Analysis by tactics writer Anantaajith Raghuraman
Yoro is in some ways a defender who stands out for his tendency to act as the last man in Lille’s defence.
Although he remains deeper, Yoro is agile and can read danger well, similar to Liverpool centre-back and captain Virgil van Dijk.
Given his age and the areas he typically finds himself in on the pitch, it’s not surprising that Yoro tends to be cautious with his passing and ball carrying.
The advantage he brings is that he has the qualities to step into the starting line-up, but he can also be developed over a season before becoming a regular starter.
(Main image: Manchester United FC)