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Fabrizio Romano has given the official ‘Here We Go’ seal of approval to Leny Yoro’s blockbuster transfer from LOSC Lille to Manchester United.
A deal had been struck between the clubs last week but it remained uncertain if the 18-year-old defender was willing to relocate to Old Trafford, with Real Madrid lurking in the background.
Yoro’s preference was thought to be the Spanish capital and reports had suggested he may even be willing to wait a year to make the move happen. His contract with Lille was set to expire in 2025 and so would have been able to talk to Madrid about a free transfer from January.
Liverpool were also interested in a player many within football consider a ‘generational talent’ but Yoro’s desire to move to Madrid caused the Merseyside club to drop out of the race. United, by contrast, were not perturbed.
INEOS – who gained full control over the football operation at Old Trafford in February – have long-standing influence and a host of well-placed contacts in French football, owing to their position as owners of OGC Nice. This would prove a “crucial edge” in the race.
They firmly believed that a deal could be struck to sign Yoro, despite the allure from Spain.
And, so, United refused to concede their position in the race for the 18-year-old starlet in the manner their bitter North West rivals did. Madrid were unwilling to pay anywhere near the fee Lille were demanding for their centre-back, offering United a chance to jump the queue.
With a level of conviction fans are not used to, the Red Devils were able to agree a deal worth an initial £52 million with Lille for Yoro and began to work in earnest to convince the French starlet that Old Trafford was the perfect destination for him to continue his development – with great effect.
As explained by The Peoples Person here, an agreement was struck with the defender and his representatives yesterday, with Yoro flying to Manchester this morning to undergo a medical and complete the transfer.
And, following the crossing of t’s and dotting of i’s, Romano has now confirmed the sensational deal with his ‘Here We Go’ rubber stamp.
🚨🔴 Leny Yoro to Manchester United, here we go! Deal in place after first part of medical completed.
More tests to follow then he’s ready to sign five year deal valid until June 2029.
Lille and Man United have all documents set for deal worth €50m plus several add-ons. pic.twitter.com/8Ziwb2JKNj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2024
The Italian transfer guru writes on X, “Leny Yoro to Manchester United, here we go! Deal in place after first part of medical completed. More tests to follow then he’s ready to sign five year deal valid until June 2029. Lille and Man United have all documents set for deal worth €50m plus several add-ons.”
This corroborates other reports, which reveal the 18-year-old defender has signed a five-year deal at United, with the option of an additional year, worth a reported €9 million a year (€7 million base salary, with a potential €2 million in bonuses).
However, Laurie Whitwell (The Athletic) contends the transfer consists of an initial £52 million fee, with a further £6.7 million in add-ons.
Nonetheless, it’s a move which constitutes a major statement of intent by INEOS, who have used every bit of their business expertise and the financial might of United to steal a generational talent from under the noses of Real Madrid. James Ducker (The Telegraph) describes the deal as a “huge transfer coup” for United’s new rulers.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Revolution at Old Trafford is firmly underway.
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