Liverpool make decision on hijacking Leny Yoro to Man Utd transfer

Liverpool will not make an 11th hour bid to sign Leny Yoro from under the noses of Manchester United after their rivals reportedly had a £52million bid accepted for the teen sensation. Lille player Yoro looks set to become the third most expensive defender in United’s history, having excelled in Ligue 1 last season.

The 18-year-old made 44 club appearances, and has already broken into the France set-up at Under 21 level.

He was also called up by his country for the tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but has been blocked by his club from playing due to their involvement in the Champions League play-off rounds.

Developments have caused further frustration for Liverpool fans, who are growing increasingly anxious at the lack of transfer activity since Arne Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp. The Reds have been heavily linked with Yoro since the window opened on June 14, but looked set to lose out to Real Madrid after the La Liga giants also made contact with Lille.

But United have now seemingly scuppered the hopes of both clubs, having been prepared to meet the sizeable asking price. Lille risk losing their prize asset for free next summer if they don’t cash in, and therefore, are keen to capitalise on the centre-back being in high demand.

The desire of Erik ten Hag and co to bring Yoro to the club is understandable amid the departure of Raphael Varane. Youngster Willy Kambwala has also left the club for Villarreal, while the injury problems of Lisandro Martinez have brought his long-term future at Old Trafford into doubt.

On the contrary, Liverpool have appeared to performed a climbdown after learning of the asking price. And according to the Liverpool Echo, club chiefs are reluctant to pay a high amount for a player they aren’t convinced is ready to command a first-team place.

The Reds are well covered at centre-back despite Joel Matip leaving at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. Captain Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah remain on the books, with the latter tipped for a big future on Merseyside after stepping up from the academy last season.

However, Liverpool’s show of faith in their current crop could yet be a decision they live to regret. Having now turned 33, Van Dijk, has just 12 months left on his current deal, and the club are yet to confirm any negotiations to extend his stay.

Konate has also struggled for form and fitness, while Gomez has been rarely used in a central role. He’s also been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, with speculation over a move likely to ramp up after his return from Euro 2024.

Slot is yet to seal his first summer signing since taking charge, despite the club being touted to move for a host of names. England centre-back Marc Guehi has been one name in the mix following his impressive tournament in Germany, but again the price could cause issues with Crystal Palace said to want a minimum fee of £65m.