Manchester United have completed the signing of teenage defender Diego Leon from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno.
United secured the deal for the 18-year-old for a fee of $4 million with up to $5 million in add-ons based on first team achievements. The fullback is expected to join United’s under-21 squad as he settles into English football and could progress to the first team if he progresses quickly.
Leon, who is United’s second signing of the summer transfer window, has played for Paraguay up to under-20 level, making nine appearances.
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He has also made 33 games for Cerro, scoring 4 goals, after making his senior debut in August 2024.
“I’m really happy, I think every player dreams of this,” Leon told Versus ahead of moving to Manchester. “When you’re a professional, you have to adapt quickly, it is a massive opportunity.
“Everyone thinks I’ll go out on loan, but I don’t have that mindset.“I’m going to kill it in pre-season and within one or two games, I’ll already be playing with them.”
Leon’s move was agreed in January but could only be completed following his 18th birthday.
Leon’s signing means Manchester United are fully stacked on options with the teenager Leon competing alongside first-choice Patrick Dorgu and his fellow teenager Harry Amass.
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