What Manchester United Leny Yoro deal means for Matthijs de Ligt move

Manchester United are not ruling out a move for Matthijs de Ligt even after reaching an agreement to sign Leny Yoro from Lille.

United are looking to upgrade their centre-back options this summer, with at least two new signings wanted as they look to immediately strengthen the position and future-proof it for long-term success as well.

Erik ten Hag's side had a bid for Yoro accepted by Lille last week and look to have won the race for his signature by convincing him he would be best-suited to them rather than Real Madrid. It is understood United have agreed to pay an initial £52 million (€62m) for the teenage centre-back, in a transfer that could reach £58.9 million (€70m) including add-ons.

Given he is still only 18, expectations will need to be eased on Yoro ahead of his debut season in England and he could begin the campaign on the bench as he finds his feet in the Premier League. However, he has been promised a level of playing time at Old Trafford that he wouldn’t have been guaranteed had he moved to Madrid.

It means United will still look to bring another centre-back in if possible, though a move for Bayern Munich defender De Ligt will now likely hinge on whether or not they manage to sell Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire or both this summer.

United have already seen two centre-backs leave in Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala, while Jonny Evans has signed a contract extension for the 2024/25 campaign. It is understood United are actively looking to sell Lindelof while they have grown more open to the idea of selling Maguire as well.

In the worst case, United would still be delighted to add a generational talent like Yoro to their side this summer for a fee less than Everton wanted for Jarrad Branthwaite, but the preference remains to bring in another central defender.