United Sign Leny Yoro Despite Injury Concerns
Manchester United proceeded with the £52 million signing of 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro from Lille, despite discovering a potential metatarsal issue during his medical. Yoro, who was highly sought after by several top European clubs including Real Madrid, signed a five-year contract with the Red Devils, making him the fifth-most expensive teenager in football history.
Early Injury Setback for Yoro
Unfortunately, Yoro sustained a fractured fifth metatarsal in his left foot during just his second game for United in a pre-season friendly against Arsenal. The injury, which could have been anticipated given the medical findings, has sidelined the young defender for an expected three months. Despite the setback, Yoro remained with the team during the remainder of their US tour and has since undergone successful surgery.
United’s Long-Term Plans for Yoro
United’s decision to move forward with the transfer, despite the injury risk, reflects their long-term vision for Yoro. The club reportedly did not intend to rely on him as a regular starter in the Premier League immediately, which aligns with their recent £43 million acquisition of Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich, another former player under manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
Changes in United’s Transfer Strategy
Yoro’s signing is indicative of Manchester United’s evolving transfer strategy under the influence of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the revamped technical department, including new appointments such as Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada, and Jason Wilcox. This shift marks a departure from the club’s previous focus on acquiring older players with limited resale value, as evidenced by past signings like Raphael Varane and Casemiro.
A Congested Defense
Yoro joins an increasingly crowded center-back lineup at Old Trafford, with the likes of De Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof. However, with Evans, Maguire, and Lindelof’s contracts expiring by July 2025, the defensive unit is expected to undergo significant changes in the near future.
Looking Ahead to the New Season
As Manchester United gears up for the new Premier League season, kicking off against Fulham at Old Trafford, the club’s fans and management alike will be eager to see how these strategic transfer decisions impact their performance on the pitch.