Manchester United will welcome Diego Leon to Carrington in the coming weeks to officially complete his transfer from Cerro Porteno.
The deal to sign the 18-year-old Paraguayan was agreed earlier this year, but he had to wait until after his 18th birthday before making the move.
Diego Leon will cost just £3.2m up front, rising potentially to £7m, which is a figure that may end up looking like a real bargain for Manchester United.
It is expected that Leon will be in Manchester for the start of pre-season, having remained at Cerro Porteno until the conclusion of the first stage of their league season.
Leon was in Manchester for his medical in January, which means the deal is basically done with just the final signature to be added.
The teen is one of the biggest talents in football at his age, and right now, United will be determining what to do with him next season.
READ: Who is Diego Leon, Man Utd to sign 17-year-old Paraguayan as Ineos add to youth dynasty
Diego Leon kisses Cerro Porteno badge.
Photo by DANIEL DUARTE/AFP via Getty Images
What Manchester United are planning to do with Diego Leon
Since Ineos‘ arrival as the footballing decision makers at United, there has been a conscious effort to sign some of the most exciting talents in world football.
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Once signed, United are tasked with developing the potential, and there are different routes to make this happen. Now, United in Focus has spoken with Graeme Bailey to learn more about the plans Ineos have for Leon’s 2025-26 campaign.
“I’ve been told that the plan for Diego Leon is for him to head out on loan next season to a club in Europe. This could possibly be a loan to Ineos-owned Lausanne, although I believe they are aiming higher.
“United might look to send him on loan to Nice now that those issues around moving players between are not a thing, given United are not in Europe.
“Leon has a lot of people keen, and I don’t think the club has completely decided, but they will wait to see what is the best move for him.”
“With the options on the left, like Harry Amass getting his chance and Patrick Dorgu beginning to come into his own, a loan would suit Leon, and that is the last thing I heard.”
Ineos must correct major Manchester United weakness with Diego Leon
With the plan being to send Leon out on loan, it is imperative that Ineos improve the record United currently has in sending young players out on loan.
In January, United sent several talented academy prospects out on loan; however, almost all failed to make an impact, with Ethan Wheatley one who dropped out of the team entirely while on loan at Walsall.
Other strugglers included Ethan Ennis, Sam Mather, and Dan Gore, who was treated harshly by his loan manager at Rotherham, who accused him of faking an injury.
With Enzo Kana-Biyik expected to go on loan to Lausanne, along with Jack Moorhouse and Sekou Kone both tipped for loans, United must make sure loans in the future are beneficial and result in game time and development.