Lille’s Leny Yoro is one of the most in-demand young players heading into the summer transfer window. The right-footed center back is reportedly one of Real Madrid’s biggest transfer targets.
Now, reports say Manchester United are also interested in the 18-year-old Frenchman.
Man Utd need a center back
One of the worst-kept secrets in football right now is that Manchester United are interested in Everton center back Jarrad Branthwaite. The 21-year-old has been one of the brightest young players in the Premier League this season and has earned a place on England’s provisional Euros squad.
The Red Devils have reportedly been tracking Branthwaite since he made his professional debut with Carlisle United four years ago.
However, according to ESPN’s Rob Dawson, the 21-year-old’s price tag might turn Man Utd away from signing him.
Everton are expected to ask for at least £75 million ($95m) for Branthwaite. Given the club’s financial limitations this summer, they are looking at other options.
Man Utd interested in Leny Yoro
Manchester United’s number one alternative to Branthwaite is Lille’s Leny Yoro.
Like Branthwaite, Yoro has been a household name for some time. He made his professional debut for Lille at the end of the 2021/22 Ligue 1 season when he was just 16 years old.
A right-footer, Yoro could be brought in by Man Utd to start alongside Lisandro Martinez and fill the role left by Raphaël Varane, who is leaving the club this summer.
Yoro has just one year left on his current Lille contract. The French club wants £50m ($64m) for the 18-year-old. Some reports say they would be willing to let him go for as little as £30m ($38m).
Whatever the case, Yoro is a much cheaper option for Man Utd than Branthwaite. Signing him will be tough though.
Reports in France claim Yoro specifically asked to be allowed to join Real Madrid earlier this year. After securing Kylian Mbappe’s signature, Los Merengues are expected to make a serious effort to sign him this summer. Liverpool and PSG are also interested in Yoro.
Other Man Utd center back options
Manchester United want to sign two center backs this summer. Branthwaite and Yoro are the club’s top two targets, but there are a number of players they could go for if those two are unavailable.
Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo will be available to sign as a free transfer. Newcastle seem likely to sign him first, but Man Utd are reportedly monitoring the situation.
Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, Juventus’ Gleison Bremer, and Wolves’ Max Kilman have long been linked to Man Utd. The Red Devils could go in for any of these players as the summer goes on.
