PSG expected Leny Yoro to leave Lille for free next summer | OneFootball

There was some surprise in the French capital when it became apparent that Manchester United had not only secured the agreement of Lille OSC but also Leny Yoro (18). According to L’Équipe, some in Paris Saint-Germain’s hierarchy had been convinced that Yoro’s representation would keep him in Lille for another year so that he could leave for Real Madrid as a free agent next summer.

However, this appears to have been one of a number of missteps that the club took in their approach to attracting Yoro away from his formative club. Lille had no intention of allowing their academy product to leave for free, and Yoro was able to be convinced away from his previous ambition to join Real Madrid.

PSG had tracked the defender for a long time and had even been interested in making a move for the teenager during the winter transfer window. However, at no point did PSG ever formalise their intentions, and no offer was ever received by Lille president Olivier Létang.

PSG never made an offer for Leny Yoro

L’Équipe alleges that PSG’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi had expected his good relationship with Lille shareholder Maarten Petermann would yield a hidden advantage. However, Petermann reportedly did not want to interfere with the club’s sporting affairs. This meant that while PSG were interested, Real Madrid and Manchester United were in direct conversations with Lille.

GFFN | Nick Hartland