Man United Star Confirms He was in Talks with Liverpool Over Transfer Move | OneFootball

Leny Yoro Confirms Liverpool Interest Before Manchester United Move

Manchester United’s new defensive recruit, Leny Yoro, has shed light on the transfer saga that almost saw him donning Liverpool red instead of heading to Old Trafford. The 19-year-old Frenchman, hailed as one of Europe’s brightest young defensive prospects, confirmed in an interview with Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel that Liverpool were indeed interested before he opted for a move to Manchester United.

Yoro joined United from Lille last summer in a deal reported to be worth up to £59 million, including add-ons. His stellar 2023/24 season at Lille, where he made 41 appearances and scored three goals, caught the attention of several European heavyweights, including Real Madrid and Liverpool. But in the end, it was United who secured his signature.

Why Yoro Chose Manchester Over Merseyside

Speaking candidly to Ferdinand, Yoro acknowledged Liverpool’s approach but cited playing time as the decisive factor in his move to Manchester.

“When Manchester United come, it is difficult to say no,” Yoro admitted when discussing the allure of the Red Devils. However, the conversation soon shifted to Liverpool’s interest and why he turned down the chance to join the Reds.

Ferdinand probed, “Are you saying that I need this thing in place if I am going to go here? I heard that Liverpool may have been interested in you. But there was no real promise or guarantee of playing or starting in the first eleven. So you kind of went that’s not for me.”

Yoro’s response was telling: “Yeah. I think that in the moment of my career where I need to play games, to get experience, to be involved in the team, because I really wanted to play. And United told me I was going to play.”

Liverpool’s Defensive Dilemma

Yoro’s revelation highlights an ongoing issue at Liverpool regarding defensive depth and succession planning. With Joel Matip leaving the club and Virgil van Dijk approaching the latter stages of his contract, the Reds were actively seeking reinforcements. Yoro, with his impressive physicality and composure, seemed a natural fit.

Photo: IMAGO

However, Liverpool’s reluctance to offer immediate first-team guarantees likely cost them the opportunity. The club’s philosophy under Arne Slot, like his predecessor Jürgen Klopp, has been to integrate young players gradually into the squad, ensuring they adapt to the team’s demanding style before becoming regular starters.

This approach, while effective for long-term development, may have been less appealing for a player like Yoro, eager to cement his place in a first-team setup immediately.

What This Means for Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy

Missing out on Yoro could prompt Liverpool to reassess their transfer strategies, particularly when targeting emerging talents. The club’s measured approach has yielded success in the past, but in a competitive market where young players seek instant opportunities, flexibility may be necessary.

Yoro’s comments also underscore the growing pull of Manchester United for young prospects. Despite recent inconsistencies on the pitch, the promise of playing time and the allure of Old Trafford remain strong selling points.

Liverpool fans will undoubtedly watch Yoro’s progress closely, wondering what might have been. However, the Reds remain well-positioned to attract top talent, provided they strike the right balance between development and immediate opportunity.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, Yoro’s admission is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it’s frustrating to see another top talent slip through our fingers, especially when defensive reinforcements are sorely needed.

Moreover, Liverpool’s recent defensive signings have shown that the club knows how to identify and nurture talent. While missing out on Yoro stings, it’s not the end of the world. The club’s scouting network remains one of the best in Europe, and there’s little doubt that alternative targets are already being considered.

The youngster has also massively struggled to adapt to the Premier League so far, so perhaps it was a dodged bullet for Liverpool.