La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid have discarded the option of pursuing 18-year-old Lille defender Leny Yoro, a target for Chelsea and Manchester United.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Leny Yoro no longer features on Real Madrid’s shortlist of centre-back targets. Chelsea and Manchester United are also interested in the 18-year-old sensation. But Los Blancos will not sanction a move to sign the LOSC Lille defender next year.
Leny Yoro: A Rising Name in Europe
Leny Yoro has established himself as one of the best young prospects in his homeland. A graduate of LOSC Lille’s youth division, he made his first-team debut towards the end of the 2021/22 season. Since then, the Frenchman has come leaps and bounds, becoming a mainstay at the back for Les Dogues.
The 18-year-old has racked up 1,737 minutes of game time across 21 appearances thus far this season, chipping in with three goals. Meanwhile, Yoro currently turns out for France’s Under-21 team. The youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of many high-profile clubs, including Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Who Will Sign Leny Yoro?
Real Madrid’s interest in Leny Yoro stems from the advancing years of David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Nacho. All three defenders are on the wrong side of 30, with Nacho also in the final year of his contract. So, the Lille defender has emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid. But the Merengues have ruled out a move for the young centre-back due to his high price tag.
As for Chelsea, the Blues are planning for life after Thiago Silva. The Brazilian defender is in the twilight of his glittering career. So, it behoves Chelsea to scour the market for a long-term successor. Yoro is thus an option worth considering.
Meanwhile, Manchester United might part ways with at least one of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire next summer. So, the Red Devils need a replacement for either centre-back, bringing Yoro into the picture.
The report does not mention how much LOSC Lille had demanded to part ways with Leny Yoro. But with Real Madrid no longer in the race to sign the 18-year-old, Chelsea and Manchester United will fancy their chances of securing his services.
