Leny Yoro wants to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid
Last summer, Leny Yoro appeared resolute in his decision. The young French centre-back opted for Manchester United instead of a transfer to Real Madrid, disregarding the strong interest from Florentino Pérez and the management at Valdebebas. A year later, circumstances have changed significantly.
Yoro, who has faced challenges in adjusting to life in England, has reportedly contacted his agent, Jorge Mendes, to investigate the possibility of an exit at the earliest opportunity. The defender is acutely aware that Real Madrid still requires a centre-back and that he was previously a key target.
Now, he seeks to regain their attention, although the ultimate decision is far from simple. According to Defensa Central, Yoro has conveyed his wish to depart from Manchester United following an unsatisfactory period at Old Trafford. The 19-year-old, who joined last summer from Lille for €60 million, has struggled to acclimate to English football and is now considering a transfer to Madrid.
At that time, Real Madrid’s interest was evident, with Florentino Pérez, José Ángel Sánchez, and Juni Calafat identifying him as a crucial acquisition. However, the transfer did not come to fruition, resulting in Yoro’s move to Manchester. Currently, the situation has evolved.
Real Madrid continues to seek a centre-back but is hesitant to pay a significant fee. On the other hand, United is reluctant to sell so soon after such a considerable investment. If the club is compelled to negotiate due to the player’s pressure, they will likely insist on no less than the €60 million they originally invested, a figure that complicates any prospective agreement.
At Valdebebas, there is a lack of urgency concerning Leny Yoro. Real Madrid is adopting a cautious strategy, evaluating various defensive alternatives while meticulously considering aspects such as contract duration and the willingness of selling clubs to engage in negotiations. Consequently, Yoro is not regarded as a priority target at this time. Furthermore, the young Frenchman’s lackluster performances in England have cast doubt among Madrid’s decision-makers.
Their main attention is directed towards William Saliba, although that transaction is also proving to be complex. Los Blancos previously decided against acquiring Dean Huijsen to preserve financial flexibility for Saliba, highlighting their high regard for the Arsenal centre-back. For the moment, Madrid is willing to exercise patience. If the circumstances for signing Saliba are not advantageous, they will refrain from pursuing significant defensive reinforcements rather than hastily opting for Yoro, whose valuation has yet to validate the €60 million that United invested last summer.
One step closer to history.
Fully locked in on our goal. @ManUtd ❤️#GodDid pic.twitter.com/BkuVl0ClUJ— Leny Yoro (@leny_yoro) May 9, 2025
Yoro exhibits notable strengths as a 19-year-old French centre-back, showcasing remarkable speed in crossing and keen anticipation, distinguishing him among his peers. He remains composed and collected while in possession, making astute and straightforward decisions. Despite his youth, Yoro displays leadership qualities and effectively commands the defensive line, attributes that would align well with Real Madrid’s preference for centre-backs capable of aggressive defending and proficient ball distribution.
Nevertheless, his inconsistency raises concerns. Although his potential is evident, Yoro has faced challenges in achieving stability at Manchester United, impacting his overall performance. The physicality and tactical requirements of the Premier League have not complemented his abilities, leaving him feeling unsettled and yearning for a more fitting environment, such as Madrid, where the playing style may better suit his strengths.
Yoro was drawn to the appeal of the Premier League and did not wait for a project like Madrid, which arguably would have been a better fit for him. Now, he seeks to amend that decision. However, United is unlikely to release him without difficulty. Having invested €60 million just a year prior, they are justified in demanding a significant fee to recover their investment. Nonetheless, if Yoro’s desire to depart is strong and he lacks mental commitment, he could become a liability for the team.
The optimal approach would be to negotiate a reasonable agreement that recoups part of the investment while finding a replacement who is genuinely eager to remain and compete for a position. Retaining a player against their will seldom yields favorable outcomes, and United may find it more advantageous to accept their losses and allocate resources towards a player who aligns more closely with Amorim’s long-term vision.
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