From covering transfer sagas for over 10 years, Stretty News has documented the extremes the Spanish press go to cover up narratives they don’t want getting out. That is happening right now as Lille defender Leny Yoro completes his transfer to Manchester United.
It was no secret that Spain’s biggest club Real Madrid listed 18-year-old Yoro, who has started for Lille since the tender age of 17, as primary centre-back target.
Yoro’s contract at Lille expires next year, so Madrid wanted to pull a fast one, and get him on the cheap. Other clubs across Europe such as Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain wanted Yoro but felt the young French prospect was destined for Real Madrid.
United wanted him too. The difference was the project we have on offer, the club’s unwillingness to give up on the player, and the fact we were willing to pay a handsome transfer fee.
Lille accepted a £52m bid from United to sign Yoro last week, according to The Athletic.
Nobody can deny there was fierce competition from Madrid, but the Spanish media has found another way to suggest Yoro would’ve been held at ransom at Lille had he waited for Los Bloncos.
A violin-inspired Spotify playlist must have influenced the editorial team at Marca.
The Spanish publication boldly suggests Lille “threatened” to drop Yoro if he turned down the move to Old Trafford.
I cannot imagine this wild acquisition will go down well with Lille because they often sign young players to give them a platform to grow. This sort of stance would discourage other young players from wanting to move there.
However, as I said at the beginning of this story, the Spanish media will throw out all sorts of claims when the shoe doesn’t fit.
Marca are known as a mouthpiece for Real Madrid.
Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
