Manchester United The club have completed the signing of defender Lenny Yolo from Lille.
The Frenchman has penned a five-year contract until 2029, with the option of a further year, keeping him at Old Trafford until 2030.
United will pay a transfer fee of 62 million euros (£52 million, $67.9 million) plus an additional 8 million euros.
He said: “It is an incredible honour to have signed for a club with such a stature and ambition as Manchester United so early in my career. Since my first conversations with the club, they have had a clear plan for how I can develop in Manchester as part of this exciting project and have shown great consideration for me and my family.”
“I know the history of Manchester United’s young players and I feel this is the perfect place for me to fulfil my potential and achieve my ambitions alongside my new team-mates. I can’t wait to get started.”
Going deeper
How Manchester United beat Real Madrid to sign Lenny Yolo
Athletic 18 years old He underwent a medical on Wednesday and then flew to the UK to finalise personal terms with his new club.
Yolo completed his transfer to United on Tuesday night for a fee of up to 70 million euros, including add-ons.
United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth said of the deal: “Lenny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football and has all the attributes required to develop into a top-class centre-back. He has had a fantastic start to his career and we are delighted to be able to help him fulfil his huge potential at Manchester United.”
“The club has an excellent track record of developing young players, whether they are local or brought in from elsewhere, and giving them the guidance, time and patience they need to develop and thrive. Working alongside Erik ten Hag and his talented staff, I will ensure Lenny has the perfect platform to achieve the success that everyone at the club aspires to.”
Going deeper
Lenny Yolo is one of the best talents in Europe, so it’s no surprise that Manchester United and Real Madrid are keen to sign him.
The initial hope was real madrid, They were also said to be interested but were unwilling to pay the fee agreed by United and Lille.
The teenager was keen to join United, and the club signed a player widely regarded as one of football’s greatest talents of a generation.
Yolo, who had one year remaining on his contract with Lille, developed through the French club’s youth academy and made his first-team debut in May 2022, aged just 16.
He made 60 appearances for Lille and established himself as one of Ligue 1’s top defensive prospects.
Meanwhile, United are looking to beat Bayern Munich Matthijs de Ligt and Evertonof Jarrad BranthwaiteHowever, any new signings are likely to be dependent on player departures to free up finances and squad space.
Similarities between Yolo and Van Dijk
Analysis by tactical writer Anantajit Raghutraman
Yolo tends to play as the final man in Lille’s defence, so in some ways he’s an old-fashioned defender.
Yolo is very agile and has a good ability to sense danger while staying deep. LiverpoolCentre back and captain Virgil van Dijk.
Given his age and typical position on the pitch, it is no surprise that Yolo tends to be cautious with both his passing and ball-moving.
The advantage he brings is that he not only has what it takes to break into the starting XI, but also has the ability to be developed over a season before becoming a full-time first choice.
(Main image: Manchester United FC)
