Manchester United’s pursuit of a new centre-half this summer could lead the Premier League club in the direction of a country who pursue more young defenders than anyone.
And should the Red Devils succeed in fighting off competition from the likes of Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in a towering teenager who’s price-tag has reportedly soared to somewhere in the region of £80 million after just a few months of senior football, at least he would have someone on speed dial who can guide him through the rigours of life in the English game.
There were plenty of questions asked about Thierry Henry’s price and potential when he joined Arsenal in a club-record deal back in 1999, after all.
Leny Yoro, having only turned 18 in November, would undoubtedly find himself under pressure to dispel similar doubts should Manchester United opt to stump up the considerable fee required for a youngster who’s style has been described as a mix between Raphael Varane and Virgil van Dijk (Le10 Sport).
Manchester United eye Lille defender Leny Yoro
“We often talk about Leny,” Henry, now the coach of France’s Under-21 side, tells Le Petit Lillois of the latest superstar centre-half-in-waiting to emerge across the Channel. “He is having an exemplary start to his career. To establish himself in Lille as he is doing…
“He always has some young reactions, and that is completely normal. It comes slowly. You make mistakes and sometimes you get embarrassed.
“(But) he goes on to play one match after another, he starts quite often and quite often is good. It’s really good for him. He is professional. He’s a good guy, well educated.
“I like him. He performs well. Afterwards, there are always things to refine, but that’s completely normal. Frankly, it’s really a more than positive progression.”
Yoro has been avirtual ever-present at Lille since the start of September. The 6ft 3ins giant, who posts some of the best duel-winning numbers in Europe, is supposedly reluctant to extend a contract which expires in 2025 too. As such, Lille may have to sell sooner rather than later if they are keen to extract maximum value from arguably their finest young talent since Eden Hazard.
The man reportedly emerging as Man United’s number one centre-half target – Jarrad Branthwaite – will reportedly cost a similarly eye-watering fee. Branthwaite, however, has the advantage of boasting a proven track record in the Premier League, an outstanding presence in a difficult season for Everton on and off the pitch.
Jarrad Branthwaite is United’s leading target
“(Yoro) is a very strong, fast and, above all, an intelligent player. Even so, I think he has a lot of room for improvement. He has incredible potential,” Cesar Arzo, himself a centre-half in his playing days for the likes of Villarreal and Gent, tells Marca.
“In addition to the aerial game, which he masters perfectly for how young he is, I would say that he is a footballer who adapts to any situation. Any phase and any moment. His performances throughout the season have been very good. Exceptional.
“The first time I saw him, he seemed like the portrait of Raphael Varane. The same attitude, the same maturity at the same age, the same size, the same…
“Kids like that are a blessing. Yoro is very similar to Varane.”
Interestingly, Ineos reportedly have an ‘excellent’ relationship with Yoro’s agent, the well-connevted Jorge Mendes.