Real Madrid have made an early move to sign Leny Yoro as the club look to beat Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain to the Lille defender.
Yoro has been one of the breakout stars across Europe’s top five leagues this season with the teenager making 44 appearances in all competitions for Lille.
The 18-year-old was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season after Lille secured a top-four finish and Champions League qualification, and ranked fourth in France’s top division for pass accuracy (92.1%) in 2023-24.
Liverpool have expressed interest in signing Yoro as the Reds look for a replacement for Joel Matip, who is leaving on a free transfer when his contract expires at Anfield.
However, Real Madrid have made an early bid to sign Yoro, according to Foot Mercato, and will submit a £25m bid for the centre-back. Yoro’s contract at Lille expires in 2025 and the club are aware that this summer represents the last chance to recoup a fee for the precociously talented defender, should he not sign an extension.
Yoro is understood to be keen on the move to the Santiago Bernabeu, with Real Madrid aiming to continue a successful recent history of signing emerging talent from Ligue 1. Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ferland Mendy have all made successful switches to Spain from French football in recent seasons.
