Manchester United appear ready to facilitate Leny Yoro’s move to Real Madrid, as reports suggest an existing verbal agreement paves the way for the centre-back’s departure from Old Trafford.
United secured Yoro’s services from Lille for a hefty £52 million in the summer of 2024. At that juncture, Real Madrid backed away from their pursuit, unable to match the financial package promised by the Premier League outfit. However, Yoro’s preference for a switch to the Bernabeu was no secret, and it seems his ambitions may soon be realised, with Spanish outlet Fichajes reporting that Real Madrid have rekindled their interest in the young defender.
The Spanish giants now believe Yoro, having matured during his stint in English football, is ready for the demands of playing at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite an inconsistent tenure with United marked by a turbulent regime under Ruben Amorim, Yoro managed 56 appearances for the Red Devils. Yet, under interim manager Michael Carrick, his opportunities have been severely curtailed, accumulating just a solitary minute across Carrick’s three victorious matches.
Carrick’s tactical shift to a formation favouring two central defenders has seen Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire shine in those roles, thus limiting Yoro’s prospects. Although Yoro’s availability has not been made official by United, reports suggest the club would entertain offers around €70 million (£61 million) from Madrid, representing a profitable venture for the English side.
Adding complexity to the potential move, previous discussions reportedly granted Madrid the possibility of signing Yoro for a sum approximating £50-55 million, indicating United might already have a gentleman’s agreement regarding his future transfer.
This transaction is seen as an opportunity for United to rebalance their financial resources and continue the reconstruction of their squad. Yoro, for his part, appears open to pastures anew, provided the sporting project presented by Madrid is compelling.
While Maguire’s contractual outlook is uncertain beyond this season, and with Matthijs de Ligt nearing a return to action, coupled with Ayden Heaven’s emerging talents, competition remains fierce in the United defence.
Carrick bolstered his coaching team with former stalwarts Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate, who are already imparting their defensive wisdom to both senior and burgeoning talents like Yoro and co. Maguire, speaking of Woodgate’s influence, noted the fresh ideas and guidance imparted to players across the age spectrum.
Man United’s defensive ranks are surely benefitting from the added expertise of Evans and Woodgate, as they nurture the next generation of centre-backs ready to adapt to the formidable demands of English football.