Manchester United are reportedly in "advanced negotiations" for a Paraguayan wonderkid who could be the first signing of Ruben Amorim's reign.
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Man Utd scout a left-back from ParaguayAgreed initial fee of $4 million (ÂŁ3.1m)Deal could be done for 17-year-old to join club next summerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! đąđ±WHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Devils believe 17-year-old Diego Leon could be the solution to a long-standing left-back problem that has persisted since Erik ten Hagâs tenure, with South American football journalist reporting that the club have agreed on a deal worth around $4 million (ÂŁ3.1 million) with Cerro Porteno and are now locked in negotiations regarding add-ons and the playerâs economic rights.
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Moreover, according to , Leonâs agent has travelled to England to finalise the move. However, as Leon does not turn 18 until April 2025, he is expected to remain with Cerro Porteno until at least next summer.
WHAT LEON SAID
Speaking to Deportes Uno, the 17-year-old expressed his excitement about competing in the 2025 Copa Libertadores with Cerro Porteno, while also addressing his links with United. He said: "Iâve read about Manchester Unitedâs link with me, I donât know anything. Everything is handled by my agent. I spent four years preparing for this opportunity, you have to take advantage of it when it comes. Now Iâm thinking about everything that happened this season. The night before the debut I couldnât sleep because of the excitement."
Juan Carlos Pettengill, vice-president of Cerro Porteno, has added: âDiego Leon will play this season at Cerro. He canât leave before he turns 18 years old.â
Getty WHAT NEXT?
Leon has had an impressive 2024 season with Cerro Porteno, featuring in 19 Primera Division Clausura matches and starting 18 of them. His potential arrival is seen as a step toward addressing defensive frailties that have been evident during Amorimâs early days at United, especially on the left, with Luke Shaw still injured and Tyrell Malacia struggling to make an impact.