French wonderkid urged to remain 'humble' amid Real Madrid interest

Cameron Smith

• 6 Feb 2024 14:33 CST
• 3 min read

Lille boss Paulo Fonsecua has told Leny Yoro to “remain focused” despite rumoured interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Yoro, 18, has been one of Ligue 1’s breakout stars so far this season and he is now wanted by the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, according to multiple reports.

The young Frenchman has played 19 times in Ligue 1 for Lille in the 2023-24 campaign, and his rise to prominence has impressed Fonseca.

The Lille head coach spoke to the media ahead of Lille’s Coupe de France match against Lyon on Wednesday and admitted (as per GFFN): “It's not easy for a young player who arrives at this moment very quickly. I spoke with the player [Yoro], I think the main thing is that he stays focused on what he has to do this season.

“He must continue to be balanced and humble… if he wants to have the opportunity to play at another level, he has to continue like this, doing things well.”

Why Real Madrid could be perfect for Leny Yoro

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

Just like Raphael Varane in 2011, 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.