6 months ago
162 One of Europe’s top prospects has now said his goodbyes – amid rumours Liverpool could sign him this summer.
Arne Slot and Michael Edwards have a few areas to prioritise in the transfer market, with the centre-back department particularly in need of a fresh face following Joel Matip’s departure.
Now – amid reports in France – a precocious central defender could be the man to replace the Cameroonian at Liverpool…
Liverpool target Leny Yoro has said farewell to Lille
A story by French news outlet L’Equipe now claims that Leny Yoro has said goodbye to employees at Lille’s training ground.
It is said that the 18-year-old has presented staff members with a shirt to say thank you, ahead of what L’Equipe strongly expect to be a summer departure from the Ligue 1 outfit.
Yoro has just 12 months remaining on his contract, and after a stunning 2023/24 campaign, it seems likely that Lille will cash in on the talented teenager, rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2025.
An article from Caught Offside claimed that Liverpool are particularly keen to sign the France U23 international this summer, and he could be snapped up for £40m – given his contract situation.
It has even been said that Jurgen Klopp saw Yoro as the ideal replacement for Matip.
The Lille No.15 made 44 appearances throughout the 2023/24 campaign – scoring three goals – and is clearly a trusted member of Paulo Fonseca’s squad, despite his age.
Even Rio Ferdinand – one of the best defenders of his generation – thinks Yoro will become an elite footballer.
Arne Slot could be set for his entire career at Anfield
If Liverpool can sign Yoro, Slot may never need to sign another central defender for however long he stays at Anfield.
Aged just 18, the sensation from Saint-Maurice could partner Ibrahima Konate – still just 24 himself – at Liverpool for the next decade, backed up by another young talent in Jarell Quansah (21) and supported by the versatile Joe Gomez in terms of depth.
Of course, £40m is a lot to spend on an 18-year-old, but Yoro is showing signs of maturity that suggest he could go straight into Slot’s starting XI and stay there, meaning that sum could represent a bargain in no time.
For example, Konate – aged just 21 at the time of his arrival – seemed an expensive purchase at £36m, although the France international is now valued at €80m (£68m) by the CIES Football Observatory.
Therefore, Yoro could be well worth the investment – although Liverpool will have to decide quickly, amid interest from Real Madrid and PSG as well…
