OFFICIAL NOW: Manchester United announce the signing of 23yr sensational player after beating Liverpool and Madrid for His signature, agreement reached on a 5yr deal, Medical completed – announcement ongoing

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has praised Manchester United for successfully acquiring 18-year-old Leny Yoro, overcoming competition from La Liga champions Real Madrid.

Yoro attracted interest from various European clubs after his impressive 2023/24 season with Lille, during which he made 32 appearances in Ligue 1. Although several Premier League teams showed interest, Real Madrid was widely expected to secure the young talent.

However, Real Madrid hesitated to meet the substantial transfer fee required for Yoro, who was in the final year of his contract. Manchester United seized the opportunity, aggressively pursuing and securing Yoro’s signature for approximately £52 million.

Romano expressed his surprise at this turn of events, acknowledging that Manchester United had a slim 30-35% chance of signing Yoro before circumstances shifted significantly.

“Honestly, yes, it was surprising,” Romano told Caught Offside. “Not in the final days, because from that Tuesday when Manchester United agreed on the fee with Lille, I saw they were serious contenders. Maybe a 30-35% chance, but still significant.

“But before that, absolutely yes. If you asked me in June, May, or April, I would have said Real Madrid. And I think if you asked Leny Yoro at that time, he would have chosen Real Madrid too. He had everything set with Real Madrid and was ready to join them.”

Romano highlighted Manchester United’s swift and decisive actions, securing the deal within ten days, as a key factor in their success. He also noted that Real Madrid’s overconfidence cost them, as they assumed Yoro would wait for them even into the next year when his contract would expire.

“Yoro wanted to fulfill his dream of joining Real Madrid,” Romano added. “But in the end, Real Madrid didn’t match Manchester United’s financial offer. Manchester United’s strategy to engage with the club first and then persuade the player worked, while Real Madrid believed Yoro would wait for them.”

Overall, Romano described the signing as a surprising and impressive move by Manchester United, reflecting a dynamic and unpredictable transfer window.Manchester United’s acquisition of 18-year-old Leny Yoro from Lille has been lauded by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Yoro, who attracted interest from numerous European clubs following a standout season in Ligue 1, was widely expected to join Real Madrid. However, Manchester United capitalized on Real Madrid’s hesitation to meet the substantial transfer fee and secured Yoro’s signature for approximately £52 million.

Romano noted that while Manchester United initially had a slim 30-35% chance of signing Yoro, their aggressive pursuit and swift actions were key factors in clinching the deal. Real Madrid’s overconfidence, believing Yoro would wait for them, ultimately cost them the young talent. Romano highlighted this move as a testament to Manchester United’s dynamic and decisive approach in the transfer window.