Manchester United have announced the signing of 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro from Lille. 

Yoro, who is widely regarded as one of the best up-and-coming centre-backs in world football, has signed a contract until June 2029, with the option to extend for a further year. Reports suggest that Man Utd captured his signature ahead of interest from Real Madrid. 

He is Man Utd's second summer signing, after the arrival of Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, and bolsters their defence following the summer departures of Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala.

See: Summer 2024 transfers & news

'Perfect place to reach my potential'

"Since my first conversations with the club, they set out a clear plan for how I can develop in Manchester as part of this exciting project, and showed a lot of care for me and my family," Yoro told Man Utd's official website.

“I know about the history of young players at Manchester United and feel it can be the perfect place to reach my potential and achieve my ambitions, together with my new team-mates. I cannot wait to get started.” 

Dan Ashworth, Man Utd new sporting director, added: “Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; he possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class centre-back.

“This club has a fantastic record of developing young players, whether homegrown or brought in from elsewhere, and giving them the required guidance, time and patience to grow and flourish. Under [manager] Erik ten Hag and our excellent staff we will ensure that Leny has the perfect platform to achieve the success that everyone across the club is aiming for.”

Who is Leny Yoro?

Yoro was born on 13 November 2005 in Saint-Maurice, a suburb of Paris. 

He joined Lille's youth system in 2017 and made his first-team debut five years later, aged just 16. 

Yoro played 60 matches for Lille's first team and in 2023/24 he was named in the Ligue 1 team of the season after helping Lille finish fourth.

Only five players completed more passes in France's top flight than him last season, while his height of 6ft 2in helped him win over two-thirds of his aerial duels. 

He has represented France at various youth levels, playing four times for their Under-21s.

Once his registration is confirmed, Yoro will join Man Utd’s pre-season training, with their second friendly match taking place on Saturday, against Rangers. 

United open the new Premier League season at home to Fulham on Friday 16 August.