Paraguay teenage sensation Diego Leon is on course to become Ruben Amorim’s first signing at Manchester United.
It is a deal that correlates with Ineos’ focus on attracting the best young players in world football.
There was evidence of that in the summer when United hijacked Real Madrid’s move for Leny Yoro. The Reds spent big money to acquire the young French defender before adding several exciting prospects to the academy such as Chido Obi and Sekou Kone.
It has already been detailed how Manchester United went above and beyond to secure Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno.
The left-back isn’t expected to join until next summer but it looks like he’ll be joining a squad lacking in his preferred position. Luke Shaw has only made three appearances this season and is injured again, while Tyrell Malacia recently returned from a long-term injury.
Leon was initially linked with a move to United back in October when it was suggested that both Arsenal and Man City were keen on signing the 17-year-old.
United have ultimately fought off any competition to sign the talented Leon, who is viewed as one of the hottest prospects in South America right now. It is believed that technical director Jason Wilcox has worked hard to secure a deal.
READ: Who is Diego Leon, Man Utd to sign 17-year-old Paraguayan as Ineos add to youth dynasty
Diego Leon’s strengths and weaknesses identified
Former Cerro Porteno manager Manolo Jimenez has given his two penn’orth on Diego Leon closing in on a switch to United.
Jimenez, who gave Leon his debut before leaving Paraguay for APOEL Nicosia in October, warned that the left-back must improve defensively before he’s considered the finished product.
Speaking to Versus, Jimenez said: “Manchester United have seen in him what I saw, what my teammates saw, I am honestly very happy that this signing can be completed.
“I hope everything goes well for him in everything that comes.
“He’s a prototype of a full-back in many attacking conditions, with his age, he still has time to improve in his defensive aspect, which is what he has to grow. Surely in Manchester they will give him the right job so that he can develop.
“The day he’s clear about his decision-making, he will be a great player and won’t make mistakes that can’t be criticised. But [these] are typical for his age and his inexperience.”
Manchester United prepare for January transfer window
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co have only had one transfer window since becoming a minority shareholder. They will be keen for their newest recruits to settle without overloading Ruben Amorim when he’s trying to familiarise himself with the squad.
Moreover, the January transfer window is usually a quiet one for Manchester United and it’s likely to stay that way due to Ineos’ cost-cutting.
United will be keen for their newest recruits to settle without overloading Ruben Amorim when he’s trying to familiarise himself with the squad.
That said, most fans would welcome an additional left-back and centre-forward.
Leon is a signing for the future – one to get excited about – but it doesn’t help United now or for the remainder of the season.
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