Manchester United could soon be adding to an already bursting group of talented youngsters with Diego Leon now the subject of advanced talks.
After the first summer of Ineos rule, we are fully accustomed to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s desire for talented youngsters to be signed and 2025 is shaping up to continue this trend.
After Chido Obi was poached from Arsenal and Sekou Kone was signed from FC Guidars on deadline day, already numerous other young talents are being linked.
Sverre Nypan is one option as the 17-year-old weighs up his options for a 2025 move, with United thought to be among the favourites.
Another is Chris Rigg, who is shining for Sunderland, leading to Manchester United wanting to sign him as he is seen to be the next Bryan Robson.
Now, Paraguayan wonderkid Diego Leon is reportedly nearing a move to United.
Cerro Porteño's defender Miguel Benitez (2nd-L) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Copa Sudamericana knockout...
Photo by DANIEL DUARTE/AFP via Getty Images
Manchester United in talks with Cerro Porteno
17-year-old left-back Leon has been linked with United since October, and now the links have really begun to heat up.
According to Eduardo Burgos and Ben Jacobs, United are keen to sign Leon, with negotiations now underway for his transfer with his club, Cerro Porteno.
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The player is believed to be optimistic that a deal will soon be finalised, with Jason Wilcox thought to be involved in the push to sign him as his role has been expanded after Dan Ashworth’s exit.
El Manchester United está muy interesado en firmar a Diego León, lateral zurdo de 17 años.
Los ‘Diablos Rojos’ negocian su traspaso con Cerro Porteño. Hay optimismo por parte del jugador, puede cerrarse pronto.
Jason Wilcox está involucrado en la operación.
🤝@JacobsBen pic.twitter.com/ZQAHbRdzYg
— Eduardo Burgos (@edu17burgos) December 10, 2024
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Additionally, Paraguayan journalist Cesar Luis Merlo confirmed the talks are advanced while adding that a fee of $4m (£3.1m) has been agreed and now United are discussing several add-ons and the percentage Cerro will receive of future deals.
Diego Leon responds to Old Trafford transfer links
With the deal looking incredibly close, the teenager has now been speaking to Paraguayan media about the possible move.
“I have huge expectations about playing in the 2025 Libertadores. I’ve seen about Manchester United’s survey about me,” Leon explained. “I don’t know anything. Everything is handled by my agent.”
Meanwhile, Juan Carlos Pettengill, who is the vice president of Cerro Porteño has ruled out Leon leaving prior to his 18th birthday: “Diego León will play this semester at Cerro, he can’t leave before he turns 18 years old.
With this in mind, it seems likely United would organise a deal before allowing him to continue in Paraguay for the coming campaign perhaps – but the deal looks likely to be wrapped up very soon in advance of this.
This deal would be a very exciting one, as it is a move United never did before Ineos’ arrival – such as missing out on Moises Caicedo. Leon’s qualities fit into Amorim’s side perfectly as a left-wing-back.
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