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Difference in valuation could hand Liverpool advantage over PSG in race for 18-year-old defender

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By Aishwarya Kannan

Liverpool eye French youngster Leny Yoro to bolster injury-struck defence

Liverpool ECHO revealed that the Reds are considering a move for LOSC Lille defender Leny Yoro in the upcoming transfer window. Negotiations with Paulo Fonseca’s team have begun, but it’s yet to be confirmed if Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp will successfully acquire the player.

Lille, reluctant to part with their French talent, have set a steep £78m asking price. Yoro, a former French Under-19 international, has impressed in his 19 Ligue 1 appearances this season, establishing himself as one of Europe’s promising young defenders.

Yoro’s performance over 700 minutes with Lille has attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Joel Matip's injury situation makes Liverpool eye a move for Lille centre-back Leny Yoro.
Joel Matip’s injury situation makes Liverpool eye a move for Lille centre-back Leny Yoro. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Interestingly, English clubs have a financial edge in this deal. Lille has reportedly quoted them £8m less than PSG. Discussions about Yoro’s transfer have also started with Liverpool’s Premier League rivals.

Liverpool and their search for defensive reinforcements

The Reds are actively seeking capable defenders to sustain their season’s momentum. Injuries to key players like Kostas Tsimikas (broken collarbone), Wataru Endo (transfer to Asia), and Joel Matip (ACL injury) have weakened Liverpool’s defence. Yoro could be a strategic long-term replacement for Matip.

Standing at 1.9 meters, Yoro excels in passing and could see significant playing time at clubs vying for his skills. Liverpool’s midfield is set to strengthen with the expected return of Thiago Alcântara and Alexis Mac Allister. It’s the defence that needs tinkering as it stands.

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Joining Liverpool would offer the young French defender valuable Premier League experience and the opportunity to develop alongside seasoned professionals.