Transfer Centre

Real Madrid 'make contact with Lille over Leny Yoro move'

By Carter White | 05 February 2024

Real Madrid 'make contact over Leny Yoro move'

Real Madrid are reportedly in contact with Lille over a move for defender Leny Yoro, with Paris Saint-Germain previously credited with an interest in the centre-back.

Real Madrid have reportedly made contact with Lille over the signing of defender Leny Yoro.

The 18-year-old has cemented himself as a first-team starter for Les Dogues in 2023-24, featuring in 19 Ligue 1 matches, finding the net on two occasions.

Since graduating from the club's academy in April 2022, Yoro has featured 42 times for Lille, scoring three times, with one goal arriving in the Europa Conference League.

Although he is yet to break into Didier Deschamps's side, the young centre-back has represented France at Under-21 level, earning seven caps over the past year.

According to Marca, Real Madrid have made contact with Lille over the signing of Yoro ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti reacts on February 4, 2024 © Reuters

The report claims that Les Dogues are demanding $64.5m (£51.4m) for the Frenchman, who has started 18 of his side's 20 Ligue 1 matches this term.

That valuation was supposedly labelled as too expensive for Los Blancos in the January window, however they are willing to return to the negotiating table in the summer.

Carlo Ancelotti's men could lose long-serving defender Nacho at the conclusion of the campaign, with the 34-year-old's contract at the Bernabeu expiring in the summer.

Despite Real offering Nacho a new deal, he is yet to accept, meaning that the club are looking at dipping into the transfer market ahead of 2024-25 term.

Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger before the match on January 21, 2024 © Reuters

Los Blancos are currently low on options in their backline due to the injuries sustained by David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao.

Ancelotti was forced to field natural right-back Daniel Carvajal at centre-back alongside Nacho for the Madrid derby on the weekend, while winger Lucas Vazquez operated on the right side of the defence.

It is understood that Real were planning a move for Yoro during the summer window of 2025, however recent injury issues and Nacho's contract situation have fast-tracked plans.

Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain were said to be keen on a deal for the centre-back in the past, although Los Blancos are currently leading the race for his services.