Real Madrid have a 'new mission' to sign France wonderkid - Romano

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 13 Feb 2024 12:54 CST
  • 3 min read
Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, 2023/24
© IMAGO

Real Madrid have a “new mission” to scout Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

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Yoro, 18, has enjoyed a breakout campaign in Ligue 1 this season and has now attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for the teenager, but Real Madrid and PSG appear to be the current favourites to sign him during the 2024 summer transfer window.

Yoro has made 28 appearances in all competitions for Lille’s first-team so far this season, scoring three goals, and his current contract at the French giants is due to expire in 2025, meaning he may be sold this summer in order to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Leny Yoro?

Romano discussed Yoro’s future on his YouTube channel and revealed a key piece of information regarding Real Madrid’s pursuit of his signature.

“There is a lot of interest, as I’ve always told you, from England and from France with Paris Saint-Germain, who wanted to sign him in January,” Romano said.

Leny Yoro, Lille
© IMAGO - Leny Yoro, Lille

“It was not possible because Lille president Olivier Letang didn’t want to negotiate. But PSG remain still there, they are keeping contacts active for Leny Yoro.

“Real Madrid have also been scouting the player for a long time and from what I’m hearing, they plan to send their scouts again to follow Yoro in February. Real Madrid have a new mission ready for this boy, to track this boy and to decide what they want to do with Yoro in the summer transfer window.

“But there is still strong interest from PSG and let's see if some English clubs will also move on this very talented centre-back.”

Yoro has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €17 million, although some reports have suggested that Lille could demand as much as €60m to sell the 18-year-old, who has been compared to Manchester United defender Raphael Varane in recent weeks.

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