Leny Yoro and the Generational Signing
The clock is ticking rapidly towards the opening of the 2024 summer transfer window, one which could see the most intriguing moves undertaken by the change hungry clubs across Europe. Money is seemingly stagnating at many clubs that fall into the alteration category, as profit and sustainability measures limit the free spending wants of so many institutions.
Kylian Mbappé is headed to Real Madrid, Manchester City are approaching their 115-charge sanction date, Chelsea are the biggest question mark in European football, whereas Liverpool has a new head coach and sporting infrastructure to take on the next phase of this team. Michael Edwards is the man that will be looking to reshape the Anfield squad into his own vision, which may see an increase in players sales and thus recruitment. Arne Slot will indeed need certain signings that can help alter the shape of his new squad, with only certain levels of talent falling into the recruitment process.
With that, I sense that the holding midfield and defensive line are the areas that will be improved upon most, which leads me to the name of the most exciting young centre back in all of world football. At just 18-years old, whoever attains the signing of this monstrous talent could be looking at the best business of the summer.
Leny Yoro
Club – Lille
Nationality – France
Age – 18-years-old DOB – 13/11/2005
Height – 6ft 3inch
Weight – 73kg
2023/24 Appearances – 44 games
2023/24 Goals / Assists – 3 goals / 0 assists
2023/24 Minutes Played – 3,690
Contract Expiry – June 30 2025
Transfermarkt Value – €40m
Projected Cost of Deal – €55m
Real Madrid have pulled out of the race to sign the future France international defender, which leaves PSG and Liverpool as the front runners for his much-coveted signature. As the contract of the Lille academy graduate ends in June 2025, it is almost certain that a sale will be made in this forthcoming window.
The Ligue 1 side, Lille, appear reluctant to sell to their rich and flamboyant league rivals, something that may open the door for Michael Edwards to exploit. Given that the Merseyside captain, Virgil van Dijk, is approaching his 33-year birthday and that Joël Matip has left the club, a central defender is absolutely needed within a group that was overworked and run ragged at times last year. Despite Ibrahima Konaté being a superb player and one that should be retained for the long term, his injury history is prominent and another body is needed to add to Jarell Quansah.
Liverpool’s Defensive Transformation
There is a strong possibility that Joe Gomez will force a move away this year, therefore, to secure the limitless talents of the aerial monster, Leny Yoro, would tick off a huge requirement for Arne Slot’s group. I suspect that a more defensive minded left back will be brought into the club, who would allow a more defensive structure to be incorporated when Trent Alexander Arnold is off and supporting the attacking third. Though the current stable of defenders is strong and a holding midfielder within a more balanced system would solve many issues, the signing of the potentially generational player is close to a must and I hope to see the club push heavily to guarantee Leny Yoro’s arrival.
