Diego Leon Signs for Manchester United
Manchester United have officially signed 18-year-old Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon from Cerro Porteño, marking the first acquisition under new manager Ruben Amorim. The deal, effective July 1, 2025, is a five-year contract lasting until June 30, 2030.
Leon was signed for an initial fee of £3.3 million ($4.4m), potentially rising to £7 million with performance-based add-ons. The move aligns with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s long-term strategy to invest in young, high-potential talent.
Leon made his senior debut for Cerro in August 2024, scoring the winning goal in a 1–0 match against Sportivo Ameliano. He went on to make 23 appearances, including in the Copa Libertadores, and impressed scouts with his athleticism and attacking flair.
Often likened to Brazilian legend Marcelo and praised by analyst Ralph Hannah as a “teenage Wayne Rooney” due to his impact, Leon has shown strong defensive stats — winning 78% of his duels — and is seen as a natural fit for Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
Manchester United beat Arsenal and Manchester City to his signature, with technical director Jason Wilcox finalizing the transfer in January 2025. However, Premier League rules meant Leon stayed in Paraguay until he turned 18 in April.
The signing comes as United look to resolve issues at left-back, with Luke Shaw struggling with recurring injuries and Tyrell Malacia still recovering from knee surgery. Leon may be loaned out for experience, though he could also serve as backup to January signing Patrick Dorgu.
Reactions on social media have been mixed. One fan posted, “Leon’s a gem—Amorim’s got a star for the future!” while another warned, “Hope he adapts quickly—big step from Paraguay.”
Leon’s arrival is part of a massive £358.5 million summer spending spree that includes Harry Kane (£122m), Viktor Gyökeres (£110m), and Bryan Mbeumo (£63m). United have also released nine players — including Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen — and sold Alejandro Garnacho to Arsenal for £50 million.
Although Leon’s fee is modest compared to these big names, his signing underscores United’s commitment to long-term squad development. Whether he features immediately remains to be seen, as Amorim looks to strike a balance between youthful promise and experience.
