Manchester United’s exciting 17-year-old left wing-back signing has been playing for Paraguay in the U20 South American championship.
The deal to sign Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno came out of nowhere last month.
Manchester United agreed a deal to sign Leon worth £3.2m up front, which could rise to £7m with a combination of ‘easy’ and ‘difficult’ add-ons.
Leon completed his United medical earlier this month and afterwards met some of his new teammates. Leon was photographed alongside Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho, as they welcomed him to the club.
United have to wait until June to get hands-on with Leon, as Brexit rules mean he cannot officially join until after his 18th birthday. But we are getting first glimpses of Leon as a player thanks to his performances for the Paraguay U20s.
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Diego Leon stands out for Paraguay
Leon is missing the start of Cerro Porteno’s season in order to play in the U20 South American championships.
Paraguay’s U20 side has not taken the tournament by storm, but Leon has put in some positive performances.
On Friday, Paraguay faced Chile to round out the group stage and Leon’s side picked up a 2-1 win.
In the win, Leon provided an excellent assist as he delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the box for Angel Aguayo to head home.
This moment of real quality impressed the media in Paraguay.
Paraguayan outlet Versus highlighted Leon’s role in the goal: “In the complementary, after a prepared play, Diego Leon threw a precise centre for Angel Aguayo to head the second goal.”
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Manchester United have perfect left wing-back depth for Ruben Amorim
Leon looks impressive, with his tenacity, physical ability and attacking traits all perfect for Ruben Amorim’s system. Leon has been compared with Marcelo and it is clear to see why, this tournament has shown why United went above and beyond to sign him
United are going to add to Leon with Patrick Dorgu, which will see two players with elite potential available in the position.
Ineos are building an immaculate group of wonderkids in every position and with Leon and Dorgu, United are set up for the next decade in the position considering the potential both have.
Leon and Dorgu share qualities such as their running and athleticism – which means Amorim will have identical options to rotate and they will be able to learn from each other.
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