Liverpool’s pursuit of new talent in the transfer market is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, as the Premier League’s top clubs prepare to spend big this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool might make a move for Leny Yoro. However, the transfer expert believes that even if Liverpool make an attempt, Real Madrid remain in a strong position to secure his signature.
Yoro, described as ‘special‘, is one of football’s most promising young talents. He has played in all but two of Lille’s league games this season, despite starting the campaign at just 17 years old.
While Liverpool have shown interest in Yoro, Romano predicts a tight race with other clubs vying for the young star, suggesting the decision will come down to the last moment.
Speaking to his Playback channel, Romano confirmed Liverpool’s interest in Yoro. However, he noted that two other major European clubs were also competing for the player’s signature. He said:
“The contact between Liverpool and the agents of Leny Yoro already took place, because Liverpool wanted to confirm their interest. Now it depends on Real Madrid.
“Real Madrid are the big favourites, and the favourite destination of the player. So if Real Madrid want to proceed for Yoro, they remain the big favourites.
“Otherwise, if they decide to leave the conversation for Yoro and not sign him this summer, Liverpool will really try – alongside Paris Saint-Germain. It’s not an easy one, but Liverpool for sure consider Yoro one of their targets.”
Yoro, who broke into Lille’s first team with impressive performances, has previously been linked with Liverpool. Earlier this month, reports suggested that the young Frenchman could be moving to Anfield, with Lille reportedly demanding around £42 million for their standout academy product following his remarkable breakthrough season.
| Leny Yoro’s Ligue 1 statistics – Lille squad ranking | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats | Output | Squad rank |
| Appearances | 32 | 4th |
| Clearances Per Game | 3 | 2nd |
| Passes Per Game | 58.6 | 4th |
| Tackles Per Game | 1.1 | =8th |
| Interceptions Per Game | 1.1 | =4th |
| Match rating | 6.74 | 10th |
Whether the Reds will ultimately invest in the youngster is uncertain. However, the club’s intent to sign a center-back is clear, especially with Joel Matip set to leave at the end of the month after an eight-year tenure.
Yoro, being young, would initially serve as a backup to Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate for the first few months, and possibly years, should the transfer materialize. Nevertheless, he is anticipated to become a central figure in the team’s future.
Yoro Won’t Solve Liverpool’s Immediate Problems
In the final months of the season, Konate faced challenges under Jurgen Klopp, contributing to Liverpool’s poor form and allowing Manchester City and Arsenal to take the lead in the Premier League title race. Liverpool ultimately finished nine points behind Manchester City.
There’s no denying the Frenchman’s strength when he’s in top form, and alongside Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah, Liverpool have a solid trio capable of handling most Premier League attacks.
However, their quality doesn’t quite match Arsenal’s duo of William Saliba and Gabriel, nor Manchester City’s impressive roster, which includes Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Josko Gvardiol. This is the level Liverpool needs to reach.
While Yoro may not deliver that level of impact immediately, his 60 appearances for Les Dogues by age 18 indicate he has the potential to become one of the world’s best.
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