Chelsea linked with sensational move for 17-year-old Ligue 1 wonderkid
Tom Weber
- Updated: 26 Oct 2023 13:39 BST
- 4 min read
Chelsea are reportedly plotting a move for Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro.
The youngster has emerged as one of Ligue 1's biggest and brightest talents. Having supplanted Eden Hazard as Lille's second-youngest debutant in 2021/22, the 17-year-old is now a regular starter for his team.
With his contract expiring in 2025, Yoro is set to become a sought-after commodity and Chelsea are trying to steal a march on other suitors, according to 90min. Lille, naturally, are keen on tying the youngster down to a new deal.
READ: Chelsea forward SUSPENDED after row with coach
When asked for comment by FootballTransfers, the French club insisted that there were no news on Yoro. The above-mentioned report, however, claims that the Blues are plotting a deal similar to the ones that saw them land Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto.
Chelsea would sign Yoro in January but the player would remain with Lille until the end of the season. Blues scouts have been "thoroughly impressed" with the 17-year-old, it is asserted.
Leny Yoro is a 17-year-old centre-back. Check out this for a finish 👀
Tipped him for big things at the start of the season and he is not disappointing.
Big move coming - he'll go for at least €30m.pic.twitter.com/4dYz16tPsK— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) September 20, 2023
Yoro catching the eye
In addition to Chelsea, PSG, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid are also mentioned as admirers of Yoro. Liverpool and Manchester United are tracking the defender as well, but their interest is not as concrete as that of the other sides.
The 17-year-old has won plenty of plaudits with his performances this season, with former Barcelona star and current teammate Samuel Umtiti hailing the youngster as "a boss."
READ: Liverpool ready to swoop for Chelsea star amid contract uncertainty
Head coach Paulo Fonseca, meanwhile, described Yoro as boasting "a lot of personality and he’s having a good time at the moment. He has great maturity and I predict a great future for him.”
Despite his tender years, Yoro is already a member of Thierry Henry's French U21 squad. Chelsea have shown a willingness to raid Ligue 1 in recent transfer windows with the likes of Lesley Ugochukwu, Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi all arriving from the French league.
