Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of securing the first signing of Ruben Amorim’s tenure, with Paraguayan teenager Diego Leon expected to join the Red Devils, Soccernet.football reports.
The 17-year-old left-back, previously linked with Arsenal and Manchester City, is set to make the move from Cerro Porteño in a deal reportedly worth £3.2 million.
Leon, one of South America’s most exciting young prospects, has earned praise for his electrifying pace and tenacity.
According to transfer expert FabrizioRomano, talks are underway with the player’s representatives, while reports from South America suggest an agreement has been reached with Cerro Porteño.
ESPN further claims that Leon’s agent is already in England to finalize the deal.
The youngster made 19 appearances, starting 18 matches, in Cerro Porteño’s 2024 Primera División Clausura campaign. Despite El Ciclón’s mid-table finish, Leon’s performances have stood out, making him a prime target for United’s academy, which continues to invest in future talent.
Speaking to Deportes Uno, Leon remained grounded amid the transfer speculation: “I have huge expectations about playing in the 2025 Libertadores. I’ve read about Manchester United’s link with me; I don’t 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.”
Cerro Porteño’s vice president, Juan Carlos Pettengill, clarified that Leon would remain at the club until next summer due to age restrictions. “Diego Leon will play this season at Cerro. He can’t leave before he turns 18 years old,” Pettengill stated.
If completed, Leon will likely follow a pathway similar to Sekou Kone, the Malian midfielder United signed this summer, transitioning into the youth setup as the club builds for the future.