Fonseca tipped Yoro to be 'one of the best central defenders in the world'
- Published
Leny Yoro - who could become Manchester United's next signing - has been tipped for the top for some time.
The 18-year-old central defender was due to fly to Manchester on Wednesday for a medical after sources said United had agreed a 62m euros (£52m) fee with Lille.
Paulo Fonseca - now AC Milan manager - made Yoro the Ligue 1 club's youngest player when he handed him his debut aged 16 in 2022 and called the French youngster's meteoric rise when he spoke to BBC Sport's Alex Bysouth in April.
"I believe Leny Yoro in the next year will be at one of the best clubs in Europe," he said.
"He started here at 16 with us. When I arrived the main objective for him was to start to work with us and play in the B team, but he played even at 16 with a big maturity and big courage."
Yoro played 32 in the league last season, was named in the Ligue 1 team of the year and was nominated for Ligue 1 young player of the year.
He has attracted interest from the biggest clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, and Fonseca recognised the extent of his ability very quickly.
"He is very ambitious, but very disciplined and I decided to start with him in the main team and he started immediately to have some minutes, some games," he added.
"This year, he assumed one of the main positions of our team.
"He grew a lot but he is a kid with a big maturity and, of course, with big quality. He's very focused, very concentrated and he wants to learn every day.
"I have no doubt, in modern football, he will be one of the best central defenders in the world."
What do you think of Yoro and his potential arrival at Old Trafford, United fans? Would he come straight into the team? Are there other centre-backs you would prefer the club to sign?
