Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make their second summer signing official next week — and it’s one fans might not see in action right away.
Diego Leon, an 18-year-old defender from Paraguay, is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Red Devils.
The club reached an agreement with Cerro Porteno back in January, but had to wait until Leon turned 18 to complete the move.
Leon may not be a household name yet, but United have high hopes. The young full-back has already completed his medical and visited Carrington earlier this year.
There, he met staff, toured the facilities, and got his first feel of English football — all before officially becoming a United player.
While his arrival won’t fix the current cracks in the backline, the move shows United’s intent to build for the future, one teenager at a time.
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How much Diego Leon costed to Man Utd?
The deal will cost United around £3.2 million upfront, with performance-related add-ons possibly taking the total close to £7 million.
Sources around the club say Leon will be evaluated during pre-season, and might even travel with the squad to the United States for their summer tour.
But don’t expect him to be starting against Manchester City anytime soon. The plan, much like what United did with Sekou Kone last year, could involve a loan spell — possibly even a stint at Swiss side Lausanne-Sport, a club already familiar with developing young Reds.
Manager Ruben Amorim is dealing with a thinner backline after Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf left at the end of their contracts.
While Lisandro Martínez is expected back for the season opener, his recent injury history has kept fans — and medics — on edge.
Leon’s signing may not be headline-grabbing, but every great United defense has started somewhere. Could he be the next Evra or just another name lost in the loan shuffle? Only time will tell — and maybe a few Carabao Cup rounds.
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