Club president confirms: Real Madrid and Man Utd target 'allowed to leave'

Tom Weber

Updated: 12 Jun 2024 13:06 CDT
3 min read

Lille's president Olivier Letang has confirmed that Leny Yoro is set to leave the club this summer.

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The 18-year-old wonderkid is one of Europe's most wanted young players after enjoying a spectacular season with Lille. A regular starter since age 17, the centre-back made the Ligue 1 Team of the Season thanks to his outstanding performances.

His precocity has earned him comparisons to Raphael Varane, who starred for RC Lens as a teenager before making the move to Real Madrid. Indeed, Los Blancos appear to also see those similarities as they are one of the clubs most seriously pursuing Yoro.

The Champions League and LaLiga winners have made the Frenchman one of their priorities following captain Nacho Fernandes' decision to leave the club after more than 20 years.

Yoro to leave

However, Real Madrid are far from Yoro's only suitors. Particularly Man Utd have been heavily associated with the youngster in recent days. Earlier on Tuesday, it was claimed that Erik ten Hag was urging the club hierarchy to make a move for the 18-year-old.

It is asserted that Man Utd are aware of Real Madrid's intentions but that the Red Devils were nevertheless readying a 'concrete approach' for the Frenchman. PSG, Chelsea and Liverpool have also at times been associated with the youngster.

Now, Lille's president Olivier Letang has confirmed that Yoro will be allowed to depart the Ligue 1 side this summer, with no extension to his contract, which runs until 2025, forthcoming. Letang also announced that in-demand striker Jonathan David could be sold.

“We have two players who will be allowed to leave: Jonathan [David] and Leny [Yoro],” the president said during the unveiling of new head coach Bruno Genesio.