Unless you have been living under a rock, you’ll be aware that Leny Yoro is one of the most spoken-about footballers on the planet.
At 18, the Saint-Maurice defender is at the centre of a transfer battle between Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Having seen a €50 Million bid accepted by Lille, Erik ten Hag’s side are desperate to land the Frenchman.
However, the player reportedly desires a move to Spain, despite his club’s preference towards the offer from England.
It represents a peculiar scenario for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos revolution – acquiring a potential world-class footballer with an immediate eye elsewhere.
Should the 20-time English champions succeed, the club will invest in a carbon copy of Raphael Varane that could lead the line for over a decade.
Additionally, the allure of the Premier League could convince the youngster that his long-term career lies in the North West of England.
But is it wise to focus time on a talent that would rather be elsewhere when the nature of the regeneration of the football club is at a pivotal stage?
An undeniable generational talent
Despite his tender age, Yoro has established himself as a leading figure for Les Dogues with 44 appearances across all competitions in the previous campaign.
His imposing frame – even for a teenager – is already noticeable and allows remarkable room for growth as he progresses.
Defenders can enhance their game through playing time, with various traits developed through repetition and time spent on the training field.
Spacial awareness is one avenue that is not easily acquired – elite defenders are often born with it. Remarkably, the youngster thrives in his understanding of his zonal responsibilities.
Few, if any, 18-year-old defenders have announced themselves on the European scene with such confidence.
His movement is measured, and each transition calculated, leading to a wise approach to individual duels that goes beyond his years.
An imposing stature and aerial ability are reminiscent of Varane, leading to a calmness in battles.
Furthermore, his positional awareness allows for maximum coverage of defensive areas and intelligence in timing interceptions.
It may be an easy line to plug, but he is the closest representation to the four-time Champions League-winning defender you will see today.
Sometimes, it just makes sense
I have never been overly fond of pursuing a player who does not want to play for Manchester United.
Regardless of the damage caused by the Glazer family, the Theatre of Dreams represents the pinnacle of European football and an opportunity for players to express themselves on the grandest stage.
That said, players like Yoro do not come along very often.
Considering the astronomical fees quoted for Jarrad Branthwaite, €50M for a footballer who will undoubtedly rise above the £100M mark in several years defines shrewd business.
Should Sir Jim reign supreme in his battle against Florentino Perez, some feel we are developing a world-class player for our rivals.
But, if United can benefit from the defender and receive a substantial payout if and when the time comes, few will scoff at the outcome.
While it remains unclear if Yoro has a future in England, I believe the club are making the correct call with their highly-publicised pursuit.
How do you feel about the potential move?
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