Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has urged his former club to sign Lille defender Leny Yoro. He believes that the £42m target possesses the same potential as Arsenal's William Saliba.
Manchester United is actively seeking at least one new central defender ahead of the upcoming Premier League season. The club has shortlisted several players, including Leny Yoro from Lille, Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton and Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich.
Despite two bids being rejected by Everton for Branthwaite - with the latest bid amounting to £45 million plus an additional £5m in add-ons - Manchester United remains undeterred in its pursuit of strengthening its defense line. Negotiations with Bayern Munich over De Ligt are ongoing. However, it appears promising as reports suggest that De Ligt has been in talks with Erik ten Hag and is open to moving to Old Trafford.
Leny Yoro has a choice to make
In recent developments reported on Tuesday by French media outlets, it was revealed that a €50m (£42.2m) bid for Yoro had been accepted by Lille on behalf of Manchester United.
However, there seems to be a twist in this tale as it’s understood that Yoro is holding out for a move to Real Madrid instead. The La Liga champions have not yet submitted an offer close enough to match what Man Utd has put forth.
Ferdinand compares Leny Yoro to William Saliba
Rio Ferdinand expressed his belief that despite current circumstances, he sees Yoro eventually joining Madrid rather than staying at Old Trafford. He further emphasized his high regard for the young defender by comparing him favorably with Arsenal defender William Saliba regarding their potential ceilings.
Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United legend, said:
‘I think Real Madrid are going to take Yoro instead [of William Saliba]. The 18-year-old, I would love him to come to Man United,’
If you’re looking Leny Yoro, please accept and come to Man United, please. Man United, please, make the offer and please accept, because this kid, I think his ceiling is as high as anybody right now, Saliba included.’
‘Physically, he’s not as developed or going to be as formidable, but he’s a different kind of centre-half. He’s quick, he tries to nibble to get in front, he can play, he’s long, tall, and mobile.’
While Manchester United's quest for a new central defender continues, it remains to be seen whether they will secure Yoro or if he will hold out for Real Madrid. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear - Leny Yoro is a player with immense potential and his future in football looks bright.
