Manchester United secure signing of French defender Leny Yoro

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro. Yoro has committed to a contract until June 2029, with an option to extend for an additional year.

Yoro joins United from Lille OSC, where he made 60 first-team appearances. His impressive performances last season earned him a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season, helping Lille finish fourth in the league.

“Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honour,” said Yoro.

“Since my first conversations with the club, they set out a clear plan for how I can develop in Manchester as part of this exciting project, and showed a lot of care for me and my family.”

Yoro added, “I know about the history of young players at Manchester United and feel it can be the perfect place to reach my potential and achieve my ambitions, together with my new team-mates. I cannot wait to get started.”

Dan Ashworth, Manchester United’s sporting director, praised the young defender, stating, “Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; he possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class centre-back. Having had such an excellent start to his career, we are excited to support him in reaching his immense potential here at Manchester United.”

Ashworth continued, “This club has a fantastic record of developing young players, whether homegrown or brought in from elsewhere, and giving them the required guidance, time, and patience to grow and flourish. Under Erik ten Hag and our excellent staff, we will ensure that Leny has the perfect platform to achieve the success that everyone across the club is aiming for.”