This is why he didn’t sign for Real Madrid

Leny Yoro emerged from Lille’s youth academy and made his senior debut in May 2022. Last season, he made 44 appearances as Lille finished fourth in Ligue 1.

Manchester United also showed interest in Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, with the 24-year-old reportedly keen on joining and positive discussions occurring with the Bundesliga club. De Ligt, who played under United manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax, helped them win the Eredivisie and reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

United are looking to replace Raphael Varane, who left the club following the expiration of his contract. Manchester United’s pursuit of Leny Yoro has excited fans, especially after Rio Ferdinand’s cryptic social media response. The Athletic reports that Yoro is on his way to the UK for a medical and to finalize personal terms, with a transfer fee of £52 million agreed upon between Lille and United.

Initially preferring a move to Real Madrid, Yoro now seems set to join United. With only a year left on his contract, Lille is eager to sell him now rather than risk losing him for free next year.

Ferdinand’s tweet, featuring an eyes emoji and a wink emoji in response to Fabrizio Romano’s post about the move, has sparked fan speculation. Reactions to his tweet included hopeful comments about Yoro forming a strong defensive partnership with Lisandro Martínez, reminiscent of the iconic Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic duo.

Yoro, who debuted for Lille’s first team in May 2022, made 44 appearances last season, helping the team secure a fourth-place finish in Ligue 1. United had also shown interest in Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, who previously played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and expressed a desire to join United.

With Raphael Varane’s departure following the expiration of his contract, United are actively seeking to bolster their defense, and Yoro’s potential signing is a significant step in that direction.