Liverpool have a decision to make after Manchester United moved forward with a bid for Leny Yoro.
The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the most promising defenders in European football and is looking for a way out of Lille.
Throughout the summer so far, Liverpool have retained an interest in Yoro. However, the feeling has always been that Yoro is heading to Real Madrid.
The Champions League winners are undoubtedly a special club and – as Liverpool have learned over the years – are difficult for any player to say no to.
Nevertheless, things have now been shaken up following Man United making a concrete offer for Yoro. With Madrid still favourites, the decision makers at Anfield now also have a choice to make.
How Liverpool have responded to Leny Yoro bid
Liverpool view Yoro as being a ‘generational talent.’ Although their chances of winning the race to sign him have often appeared slim, that’s the reason the Reds have hung in there.
As they search for a centre-back to add to the first-team squad, the Frenchman looks like being an outstanding candidate, albeit an outside shot.
Liverpool’s refusal to drop out of the race so far despite Madrid’s lead has been telling, though.
The Spanish giants are reportedly unwilling to meet Lille’s asking price in the knowledge that Yoro has one year left on his contract and has installed them as his number one choice.
After news that United had had a bid accepted for Yoro on Tuesday though, Madrid – and Liverpool – now have to choose their next move carefully. Taking to X, journalist Ben Jacobs lays out the current situation.
READ MORE: Liverpool should sign 19-year-old alongside Leny Yoro to dominate their defence for a decade
“Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool and PSG all want Leny Yoro. All four clubs view him as a generational talent,” says Jacobs. “Feeling remains Yoro will end up at Real Madrid and talks are progressing.
Outlining Liverpool’s stance following United’s offer, the reporter says that the Reds would also be ‘prepared’ to pay what Lille are asking for Yoro. But only if he removes Real as his top choice.
“MUFC have already had a €50m bid accepted,” says Jacobs. “LFC prepared to pay a similar ballpark, but only if Yoro indicates he’s changed his mind. They have known for some time Yoro’s preference.
“Yoro wants Real. And he could even wait until 2025 and join them as a free agent if a deal isn’t struck this summer.”
Liverpool should make Leny Yoro offer
Liverpool are playing things quite carefully here. They could quite easily have steamed in and matched United’s offer straight off the bat.
However, it’s probably a wiser decision to keep talking to the player and wait and see how Yoro himself responds.
If he indicates that he is indeed open to joining United, then it would suggest that he has loosened his desire to move to Madrid and Madrid alone.
In that scenario, Liverpool have then got to make their move. Jacobs has reported in the recent past that Liverpool could still make an offer for Yoro. The move to Spain is not a formality just yet.
The Reds are no mugs in the transfer market. If they are still in the running then it is for a reason.
This will be an interesting one to keep an eye on over the coming days.
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