Arne Slot’s Liverpool Eyes Leny Yoro: A Future Defensive Star?

What’s Been Said

Liverpool is reportedly among the major clubs vying for Lille’s young defender, Leny Yoro, according to TEAMtalk. With a potential transfer fee exceeding £77 million, this move signals Liverpool’s intent to significantly bolster their defense under new manager Arne Slot.

Yoro has emerged as a crucial figure for Lille this season, attracting attention from several top clubs. TEAMtalk noted, “A move for a star centre-back has been on the cards for a while, and that need has been accelerated by Matip’s exit.” Liverpool’s interest is timely, given the recent departures of seasoned players like Joel Matip, and Romano confirming they’ll move for a left-sided centre-back.

The Key Stats

Born on November 13, 2005, in Saint-Maurice, France, Yoro is a promising 18-year-old centre-back standing at 1.90 meters. Currently playing for LOSC Lille, he has a market value of €40 million according to Transfermarkt. Yoro’s contract with Lille expires on June 30, 2025, making him a valuable yet attainable target for Liverpool and other clubs.

In the 2023-24 season, Yoro made 32 appearances in Ligue 1, clocking 2,673 minutes. His performances extended to the UEFA Europa Conference League, where he featured in seven matches, showcasing his versatility and endurance. Young, quality left-sided centre-backs are rare and highly valuable.

Compare Him To

Comparing Yoro to Liverpool’s current young centre-back, Jarell Quansah, reveals intriguing insights. Both players have shown significant promise, but their playing styles and success in key defensive metrics vary. Quansah, who has made 17 appearances for Liverpool this season, excels in aerial duels with a success rate of 67.2%, compared to Yoro’s 63.8%.

However, Quansah outperforms Yoro in challenge success per 90 minutes, with a 70.0% success rate against Yoro’s 54.8%. These comparisons should be viewed in light of Yoro being two years younger than Quansah, both in their first senior year at the top level.

Likelihood and Fee

Yoro’s current market valuation stands at €40 million, contrasting with the £77 million estimated transfer fee discussed in reports. However, with his contract expiring in 2025 and several suitors, Lille might be inclined to negotiate, especially considering the player’s rising stock and interest from top clubs like Real Madrid and PSG.

Represented by Gestifute, a prominent agency known for facilitating high-profile transfers, Yoro’s move to a Premier League giant seems plausible. The good relationship between Gestifute and Liverpool also boosts this possibility. However, if the transfer fee and wages become deciding factors, Liverpool might face stiff competition from clubs like Real Madrid and PSG. This is certainly a situation to watch closely.