Yoro to Man Utd: Romano reveals how transfer impacts De Ligt pursuit

Tom Weber

• Updated: 17 Jul 2024 20:24 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United remain keen on Matthijs de Ligt, but they will first need to sell before they can sign him, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils' transfer window has now finally kicked off in a major way. After the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, Man Utd have now landed the coup of stealing wonderkid Leny Yoro from under the nose of Real Madrid.

The Frenchman is considered a generational talent and could marshall Man Utd's backline for the next decade if not longer. However, because of his massive potential and the interest from Real Madrid, the 18-year-old cost a pretty penny.

READ MORE: What Man Utd fans can expect from Leny Yoro

In order to surprise everyone, Man Utd launched a massive bid for Yoro last week that was quickly accepted by Lille. The deal is now considered done, but the Premier League giants will need to part with €50 million upfront and a potential €12m in add-ons, with other fees possibly taking the package to €70m.

Given that Zirkzee also wasn't cheap at €42.5m, it means that Man Utd will now have to sell before they can proceed with their other business.

Romano on De Ligt

Indeed, speaking on a Playback live stream, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Man Utd remain keen on adding a second centre-back in addition to Yoro but that they will have to finalise some sales first.

The Matthijs de Ligt deal with Bayern Munich, which had been progressing swiftly, is on hold for the time being. "This [the Yoro deal] will have an impact on the De Ligt story because obviously now Man Utd can't spend more than €100m on two centre-backs without outgoings."

READ MORE: Winners and losers of Leny Yoro's transfer to Man Utd

"Man Utd still want to sign two centre-backs this summer, Man Utd's intention remains to bring in two players in that position, but now - after Zirkzee and Yoro - they will focus on some other outgoings after Mason Greenwood, so trying to sell some players."

"De Ligt remains a strong option. Also Jarrad Branthwaite is a player they like but consider almost impossible in terms of price and in terms of total package needed. De Ligt remains keen on a move to Man Utd, but Man Utd never closed the deal with Bayern because they were waiting for Yoro."