Manchester United have been so active in the transfer window that it’s often forgotten that the “official start” to the next season doesn’t happen until July 1.
That’s when the financial accounts reset, and the preparation for the season begins, which Man Utd have ensured will happen with not one, not two, but four new players.
Matheus Cunha is the headliner, arriving early from Wolves, and United would hope Bryan Mbeumo joins him by July 7, when the squad returns for pre-season.
Enzo Kana-Biyik will join the senior duo, and in the meantime, Fabrizio Romano has shared the picture of a fourth ready to arrive at the club ‘next week’.
Fabrizio Romano shares latest Diego Leon picture
Because United have made a high-profile signing and are involved in a transfer saga for another one, the signing of Diego Leon has gone under the radar.
Compared to Marcelo, due to his all-action game and physical excellence, Leon is no ordinary 18-year-old player arriving from Paraguay.
His pedigree includes playing for Paraguay U20s, impressing for Cerro Porteno in the Copa Libertadores, and being regarded as one of the finest wonderkids in world football right now.
United sealed Leon’s signing in January, but he stayed with his club until the end of the season in England, as previous reports suggested Leon was arriving at United on July 1.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has shared the latest picture of the wonderkid, saying that he’s ready to travel to England ‘next week’ to start his journey as a Man Utd player.
Diego Leon’s prospects at Man Utd
Leon is in the sweet spot of a player who’s raw, like Sekou Kone was when he signed, but is coming from a much stronger level of competition.
Most importantly, he already has the leg up on most youth prospects since he’s ready physically, an aspect that most youngsters struggle with while breaking through.
Expect Leon to be given a role in pre-season, where he will have the chance to impress against Premier League opposition.
If he does, and there’s no reason to think he wouldn’t, it is a reasonable expectation to see him with the first team straight away and challenge Harry Amass for the backup left-back role.
Considering Patrick Dorgu has played on the right as well, it will give Ruben Amorim tactical flexibility and rotational ability at a position that demands personnel to go at full intensity all the time.
Then, playing the odd game with the U21s will allow Leon to polish the technical parts of his game under lesser scrutiny.
It’s as good a time as any to break through at United because the winds of change are blowing at the club, with nobody’s spot safe.
Leon can carve out a place for himself if he continues doing the right things.
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