Liverpool is making active moves to sign Lille centre-back Leny Yoro, although they face stiff competition from top European clubs.
Liverpool is making active moves to sign Lille centre-back Leny Yoro, although they face stiff competition from top European clubs.
So far, Liverpool’s summer transfer activities have been relatively quiet, with much of the focus on internal changes. However, their pursuit of Yoro marks a significant and concrete effort to strengthen their defense.
David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that Liverpool is aggressively pursuing the 18-year-old French defender. Alongside Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool has made some of the most serious advances to secure Yoro’s signature. Ornstein notes that these clubs are prepared to offer competitive terms, although Real Madrid is widely believed to be Yoro’s likely destination, even if a deal isn’t immediately finalized.
Yoro, whose contract with Lille runs until 2025, has been confirmed by Lille’s president to be available for transfer this summer. For Liverpool, swift action will be necessary if they hope to beat Real Madrid to the punch.
Manchester United’s potential withdrawal from the race could simplify matters for Liverpool. Reports from The Times indicate that United has already agreed to terms with another defender, Jarrad Branthwaite, who may cost £70 million from Everton. This could lessen the competition for Yoro.
Yoro is one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, known for his ability to maintain possession with a high pass completion rate. However, his progressive passing stats are lower, with just 2.29 progressive passes per 90 minutes, placing him in the bottom 16 percent among his peers. Despite this, he could thrive next to an experienced centre-back like Virgil van Dijk and has significant potential for development.
Yoro’s impressive performances for Lille have earned him a spot in the French Olympics squad, managed by Thierry Henry. This summer’s Olympics in Paris will be particularly significant, and Yoro could find himself playing alongside notable talents like Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and Michael Olise.
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