Real Madrid and PSG eyes on young defensive talent Leny Yoro, setting stage for potential transfer battle

Leny Yoro, the 18-year-old center back for Lille, is causing a stir in European football, drawing interest from both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

With the ‘Mbappé soap opera’ nearing its conclusion and the French attacker likely headed to Real Madrid, Yoro finds himself at the center of a potential transfer battle between the two football giants.

According to French media (via Mundo Deportivo) , Lille is reportedly clear on one aspect: they do not want to sell him to PSG. The club views PSG as a formidable rival, particularly in French competitions, and refused their attempt to acquire Yoro’s services in the recent winter transfer market.

On the Real Madrid front, the plan involves securing Yoro’s future, but not immediately. Despite defensive challenges due to injuries this season, Real Madrid aims to bring Yoro on board for the 2025/26 season.

A proposed strategy could include signing Yoro now and loaning him back to Lille for the upcoming season.

However, the unfolding ‘Operation Yoro’ is not without complexities. Lille is currently valuing Yoro at around 60 million euros, and his contract expires in June 2025.

If an extension is not negotiated soon, Lille could lose their negotiating leverage, potentially leading to Yoro leaving without financial gain for the club. Real Madrid and PSG, are closely monitoring the situation, poised for a potential transfer battle in the coming months.