Real Madrid might look to sign a centre-back next year, with 17-year-old Lille defensive sensation Leny Yoro emerging as a target.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Leny Yoro is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Merengues are combing through the market for a young centre-back ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window. And the 17-year-old Lille defensive sensation has emerged as a target.
Leny Yoro has spent his formative years in France, passing through the academies at three clubs. He began his youth career at UJA Alfortville before spending five years at Villeneuve d’Ascq Metropole. But the French youth international has risen in prominence since joining LOSC Lille in 2017.
The 17-year-old rapidly progressed through the ranks at Lille before making his first-team debut in May 2022. Yoro became the second-youngest debutant for Les Dogues last year and has become a regular since then. The teenage sensation has turned out nine times thus far this term, chipping in with two goals.
Meanwhile, Yoro’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Recent reports have linked him with Barcelona, who might make a move for him next year. But the Blaugrana will face stiff competition from Real Madrid in the race to sign the teenage prodigy.
The need to sign a new centre-back has escalated for Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti only has one available central defender in his squad, with Nacho serving a suspension, while Eder Militao and David Alaba are unfit. In addition, Nacho, Antonio Rudiger, and Alaba are on the wrong side of 30.
So, it behoves Real Madrid to invest in a centre-back next year. Several candidates, including Giorgio Scalvini, Malick Thiaw, and Ousmane Diomande, have emerged on their radar. And Leny Yoro is also a viable target for Real Madrid as they look to bolster the central defensive unit.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid might also decide to integrate Rafa Marin into the first-team squad once he returns from his loan spell with Deportivo Alaves. But it will be interesting to see if Leny Yoro becomes the top target for Real Madrid in the 2024 summer transfer window.