Leny Yoro, an 18-year-old French player, has been acquired by Manchester United for £52 million from Lille.

Despite the acceptance of United’s offer of £42m plus £10m in add-ons for the defender last week, there were apprehensions that Yoro’s preference was to join Real Madrid.

Nevertheless, United has acted promptly to facilitate the transaction and is currently in the process of finalizing the personal terms of a five-year contract, which includes the potential for a 12-month extension.

Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed interest in Yoro, who appeared in 41 matches for Lille last season.

On Wednesday, the center back, who has been referred to as a generational talent, arrived in Manchester for a medical. Lille persuaded the defender to join the Red Devils, as Madrid, the Champions League champions, were reticent to match United’s offer.He was also Liverpool’s primary target; however, the Reds were believed to have become persuaded that his sole objective was to relocate to Spain.

Madrid was reportedly more interested in postponing the recruitment of the 18-year-old until the following summer, when he would have become a free agent. Consequently, Lille will attempt to expedite the completion of United’s contract.The announcement from Man United was made on Thursday evening and is still pending registration. However, Yoro has inked a contract that will secure his position at Old Trafford until 2029.

Upon the fulfillment of the agreement, Yoro expressed his immense gratitude for the opportunity to join a club of Manchester United’s caliber and ambition at such an early stage of his career. Since our initial discussions, the club has provided me with a comprehensive strategy for my growth in Manchester as a participant in this thrilling initiative, and they have demonstrated a high level of concern for my family and me.

I am aware of Manchester United’s history of developing young players and believe that it is the ideal environment for me to realize my aspirations and attain my full potential in collaboration with my new teammates. I am eager to commence.

After appointing Dan Ashworth as sporting director, new co-owners Ineos and manager Erik ten Hag will be delighted to have secured both agreements so early in pre-season, as centre-back and centre-forward were United’s top priorities during this transfer window.

United are interested in acquiring a second center-back. They have engaged in discussions with Bayern Munich regarding Matthijs de Ligt, who is valued at £42 million, and have had two proposals of up to £50 million for Jarrad Branthwaite rejected by Everton. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that this may be contingent upon the generation of additional funds through participant sales.

After Raphael Varane’s departure as a free agent and Willy Kambwala’s transfer to Villarreal for £9.9m, they may also consider selling another central defender.

Fulham’s offer for Scott McTominay, which is believed to be lower than the £30m proposal they rejected from West Ham a year ago, has been rejected by United. Meanwhile, the Hammers are considering a £15m move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

United intends to recruit a defensive midfielder and right-back this summer. They will evaluate proposals for McTominay and Wan-Bissaka if they are comparable to the quality and value of their current players.