Real Madrid are certain to sign a new central defender this summer, as currently, they only have two fit options for the start of next season – Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao. David Alaba is injured, Nacho Fernandez has left, and he will be followed by Rafa Marin, whose move to Napoli is almost complete.
Their top target is Lille’s Leny Yoro, who’s been on their radar for about 12 months. Yoro, 18, is considered to be one of the best young centre-backs in the world, and he would perfectly fit Real Madrid’s signing policy.
They looked certain to get him this summer on their terms, but Manchester United have thrown a spanner in the works. The Premier League giants have had an offer accepted for the teenager, and Lille are urging him to accept.
For now at least, Real Madrid remain his preference, and club bosses are determined to not accelerate their plans to sign Yoro, even despite this accepted offer from Man Utd. They want him on their own terms, and that will require trusting Yoro to turn down a move to Manchester, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
⚪️🇫🇷 Real Madrid see Leny Yoro as similar deal to Camavinga with Rennes in 2021.
Real, happy to wait until deal is done at their conditions… or even happy to sign Yoro as free agent in 2025.
It’s up to Yoro, whether he wants to wait for Real or not… by joining Man United now. pic.twitter.com/1nDaZ2ixZB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 9, 2024
It remains to be seen whether Yoro’s head is turned by Man United. Real Madrid will hope not, but even if it does happen, they will simply move on to the next target – that’s how it goes at the Santiago Bernabeu.
