Manchester United have made their second signing of the summer as 18-year-old full-back Diego Leon arrives from Cerro Porteno in his native Paraguay.
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- Talented young defender Diego Leon joins
- Paraguayan youth international
- Second signing of summer after Cunha
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Leon arrives after a pre-contract agreement was made with Cerro in January before Leon's 18th birthday in April. report that the fee is in the region of £3 million, with up to £3.6m in add-ons based on performance.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
United's club website states that Leon will be supported by both the first team and the club's academy as he settles into life in Manchester. The teenager has made 33 appearances in Paraguay for Cerro since his debut in August 2024, scoring four goals. He is said to view Real Madrid legend Marcelo as his role model.
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WHAT LEON SAID
Leon told Versus ahead of moving to Manchester: “I’m really happy, I think every player dreams of this. When you’re a professional, you have to adapt quickly, it is a massive opportunity. Everyone thinks I’ll go out on loan, but I don’t have that mindset. I’m going to kill it in pre-season and within one or two games, I’ll already be playing with them.”
Former Cerro manager Manolo Jimenez said of the player: “I saw his strength and quality and threw him into the first team. Physically he’s a prodigy. He has incredible potential, with a strong attacking game and the capacity to score goals.”
- @diego.leon04 Instagram
WHAT NEXT FOR LEON AND UNITED?
Leon is likely to begin the season with United's Under-21s, but he could progress quickly to the first team if he impresses. The Red Devils will see their summer business as far from complete, and will hope to soon get a deal for Bryan Mbeumo over the line.
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