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Manchester United have officially announced the signing of centre back Leny Yoro from Lille.
The 18 year old is highly regarded as one of the best teenagers in the world, ranked fifth in 2024’s Golden Boy index.
United fought off Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool to win the coveted star’s signature. He has signed a five year deal with optional year’s extension.
Yoro told manutd.com:
“Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honour.
“Since my first conversations with the club, they set out a clear plan for how I can develop in Manchester as part of this exciting project, and showed a lot of care for me and my family.
“I know about the history of young players at Manchester United and feel it can be the perfect place to reach my potential and achieve my ambitions, together with my new team-mates. I cannot wait to get started.”
United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth said:
“Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; he possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class centre-back. Having had such an excellent start to his career, we are excited to support him in reaching his immense potential here at Manchester United.
“This club has a fantastic record of developing young players, whether homegrown or brought in from elsewhere, and giving them the required guidance, time and patience to grow and flourish. Under Erik ten Hag and our excellent staff we will ensure that Leny has the perfect platform to achieve the success that everyone across the club is aiming for.”
Yoro could be available to play immediately, having not competed in Euro 24 and having withdrawn from the French Olympics team.
United may still pursue another centre back, with Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt still under consideration. However, it may be that a defender will need to be sold before a second signing can be progressed.
🔴 This is home.
Bienvenue a Manchester United, @Leny_Yoro! 🙌
#MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 18, 2024
🚨✍🏻 Leny Yoro has just signed his contract as new Manchester United player.
Deal completed on both clubs and player side as Man Utd and Lille are exchanging all documents today.
Yoro signs in at Manchester United until June 2029, medical tests also done. Saga over. pic.twitter.com/pOKvE2cPfC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2024
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