Going into the 2024 summer transfer window, Leny Yoro was believed to be one of Real Madrid's top targets. The youngster had been a regular starter already and dubbed the 'next Raphael Varane' in France. Of course, Los Blancos know a thing or two about the FC Como defender. Naturally, they were interested in signing him from Lille.
The Spanish giants had been linked with Yoro going back to last season. On the other hand, rumours suggested that the Frenchman had his heart set on a move to Real Madrid as well.
Real Madrid needed to sign a centre-back this summer. Nacho was on his way out of the club while David Alaba remained out injured for the foreseeable future. So, why not bring in arguably the most talented defensive talent in the world?
For a long time, Real Madrid looked like the next step for Yoro. Only for Manchester United to swoop in and sign him, almost out of the blue. Now, some light has been shed on that decision.
Why Leny Yoro rejected Real Madrid to join Manchester United
As reported by MARCA, Yoro was the chosen one. But he opted for Manchester United's significantly higher offer, €9.5 million against €2.5 million.
Of course, Yoro heading elsewhere would have been a disappointment for Real Madrid. In the aftermath, the hope was that Joan Martinez would develop and earn himself a spot in the first-team squad. But the Castilla standout ended up getting injured as well.
That has left Real Madrid in a tight spot regarding their centre-back situation. It is very possible that Carlo Ancelotti might need to look for alternative solutions once again this season, just like the last one. As for Yoro, he ended up suffering an injury early in his run at Manchester United. Not the start to life at Old Trafford that the Frenchman would have been hoping for.