Liverpool’s hopes of signing teenage prodigy Leny Yoro have been dealt a blow following reports from Manchester Evening News that Lille have accepted a bid from rivals Manchester United.
Lille have reportedly accepted an offer in the region of €60-€70 million for the highly-rated defender and are trying to push him to Manchester.
The player is keen on joining Real Madrid, but Los Blancos are unwilling to spend more than €40m to sign the player. This has opened the door for other clubs to enter the race, and now Man United’s bid has been accepted.
The news will rock Liverpool, who have been heavily linked with Yoro since the transfer window opened. The Reds even made a €50 million offer for the teenager, but it was turned down by the Ligue 1 side.
The prospect of Yoro strengthening a direct Premier League competitor could be a bitter pill for Liverpool fans.
Yoro burst onto the scene last season with a string of impressive performances for Lille. He helped Les Dogues keep 13 clean sheets in 32 Ligue 1 appearances while winning 63% of his duels.
Despite his young age, the 18-year-old cemented himself as a regular starter, racking up valuable experience at the top level.
His composure on the ball, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game have attracted interest from Europe’s elite.
Liverpool have let go of defender Joel Matip and have the French talent as a potential long-term replacement.
Manchester United’s hefty bid undoubtedly complicates the situation. Liverpool’s hierarchy may not be willing to stump up the fee required to pull him to Merseyside.
Many scouts have described Yoro as a generational talent, and, watching him strut his stuff, it is hard to argue with them.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and CEO of Football Michael Edwards must muscle in and pip United to Yoro’s signature.
This kid is a top talent and represents a coup for whoever gets him. The Merseysiders should be looking to take him to Anfield at any cost.
€60m looks a lot, but he can cover the backline for years, eventually taking the mantle from captain Virgil van Dijk.
