French football expert Jonathan Johnson has given some exclusive insight into what the Leny Yoro transfer could mean for Manchester United as they saw off Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain to agree a deal for the talented young Lille centre-back.
Speaking to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Johnson explained that he sees Yoro as the new Raphael Varane, and like someone who could end up being the best signing of the entire summer transfer window for any club.
Johnson clearly really rates Yoro after what he’s seen from him in Ligue 1, explaining that both Real Madrid and PSG also wanted the 18-year-old Frenchman, whilst also tipping him to be a great signing for Man Utd.
Red Devils fans will be delighted to hear this analysis from someone who really knows their stuff when it comes to French football, as Yoro is still not exactly the biggest name outside of his home country.
The young defender remains relatively inexperienced and clearly isn’t coming cheap for United, but Johnson doesn’t see it as a gamble at all, stating that he is confident the teenager will go straight into Erik ten Hag’s starting XI.
Yoro transfer to Manchester United praised by French football expert
“Leny Yoro is heading to Manchester United and it’s certainly a somewhat unexpected destination for him. It’s a very interesting transfer and I think Lille will be happy with the money they’re getting, which will be €50m plus add-ons,” Johnson said.
“Of course, everybody knows that Yoro prioritised a move to Real Madrid over any other destination, including PSG, so I think we can say with confidence that going to Man United was not his first choice, but I think it’s an interesting move that could really pay off in the long run for United.
“I’ve drawn parallels between Yoro and Raphael Varane in the past and I think he really is one of the most talented players of his generation, so I think United have got a really good deal here. And of course he’s actually replacing Varane, so it’s really an upgrade by bringing in almost a younger version of the older, past his peak version of Varane that we saw at Old Trafford.
“It’s a good capture for United, but also a good deal for Lille who needed to sell. It’s a blow for PSG, who would’ve loved to make him a key part of their team going forwards, and a crucial long-term part of their defence. It will be interesting to see now how Yoro will settle in with the culture in the UK, but at the same time you look at this United squad and it’s impossible to see this as much of a gamble – he should walk straight into that starting XI.”
He added: “While it’s a challenge for Yoro, he’s also joining a team where it’s hard to see them doing much worse than they did last season. I think Erik ten Hag is fortunate in many ways to have received this second chance, but I think Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee are interesting signings, and Yoro in particular has the potential to be one of the best deals of the summer anywhere in the transfer window.
“I’m really confident that United have got hold of a quality player and maybe Real Madrid will regret that as they had a clear run at his signature but weren’t able to put together the financial package necessary to beat United to his signature.”