Liverpool transfers: Key Yoro decision gives Reds £100m advantage over Man Utd

Despite being beaten by their arch-rivals Manchester United to the signing of Leny Yoro, Liverpool seem to now have the defensive advantage as the Frenchman is set for a spell on the sidelines. 

Liverpool’s decision to step back from pursuing a deal for the 18 year-old centre back, after deeming the overall cost to be too expensive, has proven to be another shrewd piece of work from the Anfield side.

Manchester United, who ultimately won the race for the defender’s signature, spent £58.9 million despite Yoro only having one year left on his contract at Ligue 1 side Lille.

Furthermore, they have committed almost £30m in wages to Yoro over the course of a five-year deal, giving a total outlay of close to £100m. 

The youngster lasted only 34 minutes of their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal during their preseason tour in the United States, leaving Erik ten Hag with another problem to think about with his backline.

Lisandro Martinez, who has also had his fair share of injuries, is yet to return after Argentina’s Copa America triumphs while Harry Maguire is only just returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Liverpool turn down deal for Quansah

As for Liverpool, turning down Newcastle’s attempts of including Jarell Quansah in a potential deal for Anthony Gordon, has potentially saved the club a hefty amount of money.

Quansah, Liverpool’s own answer to Yoro, broke through last season and showed maturity beyond his years next to captain Virgil van Dijk, earning himself a spot in England’s preliminary Euro 2024 squad.

READ MORE: How Liverpool could have got Anthony Gordon for ONLY £30m

In addition to Quansah, Arne Slot has Sepp van den Berg as another option for his back line after the Dutchman impressed during his loan spell with Bundesliga side Mainz last season.

Ibrahima Konate is the latest defender to join up with his teammates in Philadelphia with Van Dijk and Joe Gomez set to follow suit in the coming days.

Liverpool look ready to start the season with a plethora of choices for the heart of their defence, even after losing Joel Matip this summer, which may indicate that their decision to  step away from Yoro was the right one.