Manchester United have today confirmed the arrival of Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno, subject to registration.
The 18-year-old has agreed a five-year deal in Manchester as he prepares to ply his trade outside of his native Paraguay, whom he represents at youth level, for the first time.
Leon’s Old Trafford switch was finalised back in January. However, United were made to wait until he turned 18 in April to formally register him, hence waiting until the end of the campaign.
He did travel to England in the winter to undergo his medical and meet members of the coaching staff, meaning his move posed no late hurdles when he officially made the move.
Reds ‘delighted to announce’ Diego Leon arrival
For his boyhood club, the young defender already boasts an impressive 33 senior appearances with four goals to his name.
It’s been expected that Leon would be sent on loan in the 2025/2026 season to gain more first-team experience, but he has his sights set on breaking into Ruben Amorim’s squad.
When flying to M16 this week, he told reporters: “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.”
It’s that kind of mindset that can quickly set a player aside from his counterparts when vying for game time, and the United faithful will be delighted to hear such an impassioned declaration from their new prospect.
Leon signs just in time for pre-season
In regards to the transfer fee, INEOS chiefs will fork out an upfront payment of £3.2 million, while the overall sum could rise as high as £7m with add-ons later down the line.
Amorim’s men are due to report back for pre-season training on Monday before they travel to Switzerland for a clash with longtime rivals – and Premier League returnees – Leeds United on July 17, after which they will embark on a pre-season tour in the United States.
It’ll be worth keeping an eye on what kind of role Leon plays from now until the end of the summer break.
