It’s quiet on the transfer front at Liverpool. With Jurgen Klopp having departed and FSG gradually rebuilding Anfield, fans might be puzzled by the lack of activity.
Michael Edwards has returned in a more influential role as FSG’s CEO of Football, bringing hopes of exciting transfer moves, but for now, everything remains calm.
Is this a problem? A concern? In short, no. Liverpool has long conducted their business quietly with Edwards involved, and a surprising signing might emerge unexpectedly. New head coach Arne Slot, still integrating and without many of his international players, has been in regular contact with sporting director Richard Hughes.
Liverpool fans will have to wait for now, but there is a clear indication of the club’s intention to secure top talent for future success.
Liverpool targeting new defender
According to Football Insider, Liverpool remains in direct contact with Lille defender Leny Yoro’s representatives despite the 18-year-old’s preference to sign with Real Madrid.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein previously reported Liverpool and Manchester United’s interest in Yoro, noting that he has also attracted attention from Real Madrid and is likely to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Yoro has one year left on his contract at Lille, and Liverpool sees hope given Lille’s €60m (£51m) demands. Real Madrid is reluctant to bid beyond €40m (£34m).
Leny Yoro’s season in numbers
Yoro became a regular starter for Lille in the 2022/23 season, starting 30 matches. Talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as “world-class material,” noting his technical and defensive skills. Yoro ranked among the top 7% of European centre-backs for pass completion last season and won 63% of his contested duels.
Former coach Jean-Michel Vandamme praised Yoro as a “quick learner,” highlighting his potential for elite success. Liverpool might regret missing the chance to sign him if he joins Real Madrid.
Yoro would be a major addition to Liverpool’s defense, potentially becoming one of their most significant signings in recent years.
The reason Liverpool wants Leny Yoro
Slot was hired by Liverpool partly due to certain similarities with Klopp. While not a copy, Slot shares some elements of Klopp’s style. Slot himself mentioned his similarities to Pep Guardiola, noting that both are control-oriented managers.
Control is crucial in modern football. Slot is well-suited for Premier League success, and Yoro would be instrumental in his plans. Ibrahima Konate is talented but inconsistent, and Virgil van Dijk, though world-class, is nearing 33 and in his final contract year. Yoro, with his reputation as a “generational talent,” could compete for a starting spot and be a cornerstone for Slot’s team.
Out of contract in one year and available for a reasonable fee, Yoro could be Liverpool’s next star, much like Mohamed Salah, who was signed for £34m from AS Roma in 2017 and became a key player under Klopp.
Yoro, though a different player, could have a similar impact, elevating Liverpool’s defense and helping Slot build a trophy-winning team.
Liverpool is undergoing significant changes, but their plans for success are clear. Slot has the charisma and ability to lead the team to success, and securing Yoro could be a major step in that direction. Yoro is expected to become one of the world’s best defenders in the near future, possibly even sooner.
