Highly-rated French defender wants Real Madrid move, club bosses consider deal “a priority”

Given the fact that Nacho Fernandez (34), David Alaba (31) and Antonio Rudiger (31) are all not getting any younger, Real Madrid are now on the hunt to sign a new long-term central defender, and they’ve already identified their top target: Lille’s Leny Yoro.

Despite only being 18, Yoro has established himself as a regular starter for the Ligue 1 side over the last 12 months. During this period, he has earned rave reviews, and been compared to former Los Blancos star Raphael Varane.

Paris Saint-Germain have shown strong interest in Yoro over recent months, but according to Marca, the player’s desire is to play for Real Madrid, where he would join fellow French players Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy (also likely Kylian Mbappe). Further to this, club bosses are preparing to make their move, but not right now, as Lille’s asking price is astronomical.

Yoro’s current deal at Lille expires in 2025, so he could be available on a cut-price deal this summer, although Real Madrid could also wait out to get him on a free transfer, provided that this is a possibility. Regardless, there is growing confident that they will be able to get their hands on the teenager in the coming years.