AC Milan are exploring a potential move for Manchester United defender Leny Yoro, according to reports in Italy. The 20-year-old, who joined the Red Devils from Lille in July 2024 for an initial fee of €62m plus €8m in add-ons, has been identified by new AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim as a candidate to strengthen his defensive options. While the interest is in the early stages, outlets including Calciomercato have indicated that the Serie A side is monitoring the Frenchman's situation closely as they consider a mid-season squad reshuffle.
Yoro's time at Old Trafford has been disrupted by fitness issues and limited opportunities, with the centre-back managing fewer than 2,000 minutes of action across all competitions since his arrival. Under current Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, Yoro has been used sparingly this season, featuring in only four matches. This lack of consistent game time has prompted speculation regarding a move away from the club in 2027, with the TransferNews database recording a contract at Old Trafford that runs until June 2029.
Reunion with Amorim
The link to AC Milan is heavily predicated on the presence of Ruben Amorim, who previously managed the defender during his tenure at Manchester United. Reports suggest that Yoro was a key figure under the Portuguese coach, making 53 appearances and logging approximately 3,200 minutes under his guidance. With agent Jorge Mendes reportedly sounding out opportunities, the familiarity between the player and manager is viewed as a primary driver for any potential interest from the Rossoneri.
Squad Impact and Financial Context
For AC Milan, pursuing Yoro would require significant financial commitment. While previous valuations of the defender would have been prohibitive, the club's recent transfer activity—highlighted by the €74m signing of Gonçalo Ramos earlier this year—suggests owner Gerry Cardinale is prepared to support major investments. Any deal would likely command a fee in the region of €50m to €64m, a figure that would represent a substantial outlay even by current market standards.
Conversely, a sale of Yoro could provide Manchester United with the capital required to pursue their own defensive targets. United have been consistently linked with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch, both of whom have been cited in wider reporting as potential options should the club seek to restructure their backline. With the transfer window set to open in January, the next few weeks are likely to determine whether this initial interest progresses into a formal approach.
