The advantage PSG holds in the battle for signing against Real Madrid

Amidst the final day of the French league season, Lille President Olivier Letang confirmed the highly probable departure of Leny Yoro, their central defender whose contract expires in 2025. The deal could fetch a hefty sum that might give Real Madrid pause.

Before stumbling against Nice (2-2) and relinquishing the third spot in Ligue 1 to Brest, Lille had discussed the upcoming transfer window, which promises to be eventful in northern France as several key players are set to leave the Dogues. Speaking to Canal+ before the match, President Olivier Letang made a statement reported by the channel's journalists.

After talks with Lille's boss, David Berger explained on air that "Olivier Letang told us that all players with just one year left on their contracts would likely leave this summer. So, it's probably the last season for Jonathan David and Leny Yoro." Both players are indeed out of contract in June 2025, and while the Canadian has hinted at another season with LOSC, Yoro seems less inclined.

Letang had a markedly different tone in early April on RMC: "I spoke with Leny just yesterday. We had a long discussion. He is focused on one thing, finishing as high as possible with LOSC. Starting to talk about all this with him now would be a mistake on my part. An extension? It's part of our discussions. If we play, yes or no, in the Champions League next season, it might not be the same."

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The advantage PSG holds in the battle for signing against Real Madrid

With Lille set for the Champions League playoffs and the player showing no inclination to extend, it's now certain that Yoro will depart, and the main question will be his price. Because LOSC knows how to sell and won't be giving any discounts for their 18-year-old defender, who has had a tough few weeks but an overall impressive season. According to Relevo, in line with recent French reports, Lille is demanding no less than €60 million for their central defender.

This huge sum is paradoxically good news for PSG. Yoro has prioritized Real Madrid, as several people close to the situation confirmed, but the Spanish club has no intention of splashing out such an amount for the French international when his contract expires in a year.

While LOSC refuses to entertain the idea of a free departure in a year for a player whose market value is counted in tens of millions of euros, there could be an opportunity, especially since Yoro is well aware that Real isn't the only club interested in his services.