Man Utd in trouble: Real Madrid 'immediately activate' transfer operation

Tom Weber

Updated: 22 Jun 2024 12:26 CDT
4 min read

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United — © NOS/FootballTransfers

Nacho Fernandez is set to seal a move to Saudi Arabia, prompting Real Madrid to 'activate Operation Leny Yoro,' according to Spanish media.

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The French youngster continues to be at the heart of one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas. Linked with pretty much every major club at one point, Yoro is expected to leave Lille this window, as confirmed by club president Olivier Letang last week.

His destination remains as yet unknown, but Yoro has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid despite interest from PSG, Man Utd and Liverpool. Though the Red Devils took the first step towards recruiting the 18-year-old on Friday, it has repeatedly been stated that Yoro will only consider a transfer to the Premier League in case Los Blancos decide against making a concrete approach.

Well, it now appears as though this is only a matter of time. That is because captain Nacho Fernandez, who already informally told the club that he would leave this summer several weeks ago, is close to a Saudi switch.

Nacho to start Yoro domino

Earlier this week, MARCA reported that Nacho's exit would see Real Madrid "immediately activate Operation Yoro," with personal terms not an issue with the teenager.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Nacho has just completed his medical with promoted Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah and is now set to sign a two-year deal. Ben Jacobs reports that the Aramco-owned side will pay the 34-year-old €20 million over these two years.

If the above-mentioned report from Spain is to be believed, this now means that Real Madrid will get serious about their pursuit of Yoro. Los Blancos are not willing to break the bank on the youngster and have reportedly set a limit of €40m, while Lille are naturally keen for a bidding war to break out.

Lille need to sell this summer or risk losing Yoro for free next year, which has Real in a strong negotiating position. They have turned the player's head and are confident that they can simply walk away from the talks if the Ligue 1 side's demands prove excessive and then snap up Yoro for nothing in 2025.