The French national team has one top-ranked center back after another in the world, including Ibrahima Konate, Willian Saliba, and Dayo Upamecano. Other capable defenders such as Presnel Kimpembe and Wesley Fofana are also waiting in the wings.
As talent continues to emerge, and not just in the back line, an up-and-coming center back who could become a regular in the future French national team is attracting interest from mega clubs.
The player’s name is Leny Yoro, an 18-year-old defender from Lille who has already made 51 appearances for the first team.
According to Marca, Xabi Alonso, who is the leading candidate to become Anfield’s next manager, has requested the acquisition of the French defender as his top target for reinforcements in accepting Liverpool’s offer of persuasion. The report also claims that negotiations with Lille have already begun.
The young center back, who is expected to cost as much as 51 million pounds, has been called up to the French U-21 national team on a flying start and has started in four games.
If he continues to perform as well as he has, he is sure to make his debut for the full national team, and a number of strong clubs have their eyes on his talent.
The French outlet Le10sport reported that Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City made contact with his club around January of this year, and there has been a flurry of activity around Leny Yoro in preparation for the transfer market this summer.
Other clubs such as Chelsea and Real Madrid are also keen on the player, who, in addition to Joel Matip, who is likely to leave the club at the end of the season, could be the mainstay of the final line to replace Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, who is approaching 33 years old.
The battle for the player is fierce, and there is no denying the possibility that he could find further growth at Lille, where he is under contract until June 2025, but how will it all end?