Real Madrid step up €60m pursuit of 'next Varane'

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 5 Feb 2024 14:02 GMT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid have reportedly placed Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro as their number one transfer target as they search for a new centre-back in 2024.

Eder Militao and David Alaba are both currently sidelined with ACL injuries and Los Blancos are hoping to bolster their defensive options this year alongside their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.

The Frenchman is out of contract this summer and reports from France suggest he is leaning towards joining Real Madrid rather than extending his stay at the Parc des Princes.

Los Blancos could inflict another blow to PSG if they land Yoro as well. The 18-year-old is wanted by the Parisians as they look to improve the centre-back options available to Luis Enrique, but they could be beaten to his signature by Real Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side considered making a move in January amid their injury crisis in defence, but opted against pursuing Yoro mid-season. However, their interest hasn’t waned and he remains the top target, according to Spanish outlet Marca.

Real Madrid’s pursuit of Yoro is reminiscent of 2011 when they signed a talented French teenager by the name of Raphael Varane from RC Lens.

The current Manchester United defender had played just 24 times for Lens’ senior team before he was snapped up for €11 million by the Spanish giants.

Yoro, on the other hand, is set to cost far more after Lille placed a €60m asking price on his head.

Chelsea and Liverpool have both been linked with signing him too, as Yoro begins to attract the attention of Europe’s very biggest clubs.

However, Real Madrid are set to push for his signature this summer.

Why Leny Yoro is perfect for Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti will have the perfect opportunity to embed Yoro into Real Madrid’s first-team if he joins in 2024.

Just like Varane, the young Frenchman may not arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu as a guaranteed starter, but he will be able to develop away from the limelight unlike Jude Bellingham, for example.

The presence of Militao, Alaba and Antonio Rudiger means that Yoro would be afforded time to adapt to life at the biggest club in world football and be integrated into the starting XI slowly.

Jose Mourinho adapted a similar policy with Varane, as Sergio Ramos and Pepe were often the preferred centre-back duo.

Furthermore, Ancelotti has proven he knows how to handle a squad full of stars and his man-management is one of the very best in world football. As a result, he is the perfect person to help guide Yoro if Real Madrid are able to reach an agreement with Lille.

Chelsea are currently tumultuous, Liverpool are an unknown given Jurgen Klopp’s imminent departure, while PSG may take a step backwards if Kylian Mbappe does end up leaving.

Therefore, joining Real Madrid makes sense as the perfect next step for Yoro.