Reports from Spain have delivered an indirect blow to Manchester United’s transfer policy, as Real Madrid insiders now reportedly believe they “dodged a bullet” by missing out on French defender Leny Yoro.
According to Diario AS, the Spanish giants feel vindicated after their failed pursuit of the highly-rated centre-back last summer.
Real Madrid were among the first clubs to scout and make a formal approach for Yoro, then starring for Lille. At just 18, the Frenchman was touted as a generational defensive talent, and Madrid saw him as a potential long-term replacement for veterans like Nacho and Antonio Rüdiger. However, their plans were hijacked when Manchester United swooped in with a lucrative offer, reportedly including a significantly higher wage package that convinced Yoro to move to Old Trafford instead.
But fast forward a year, and the move hasn’t paid off for the Red Devils. Yoro has struggled with injuries since his arrival and has been unable to cement a place in United’s shaky backline. Even when fit, his performances have done little to stabilise a defence that has conceded goals with alarming regularity throughout the campaign.
United are limping towards a bottom-half finish in the Premier League—likely 16th or 17th—and recently suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final.
The result confirmed their absence from next season’s Champions League, adding more pressure on the club’s recruitment decisions, including the £52 million spent on Yoro—now among the top 10 most expensive signings in United’s history.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have regrouped. Rather than dwelling on the failed Yoro deal, the club promoted academy graduate Raul Asencio, who has impressed in limited appearances. More significantly, they’ve sealed the signing of Spanish defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth—another highly-rated prospect who fits Madrid’s long-term strategy and is already being integrated into their plans for the Club World Cup.
While Yoro still has time to fulfil his potential, Real Madrid’s belief that they avoided a costly mistake reflects a growing concern among United fans: are the club’s big-money gambles truly paying off?
For the Los Blancos, next season is going to be one for regrouping, under a new manager – with Xabi Alonso expected to take over from Carlo Ancelotti.
