Manchester United are nearing the signing of highly-rated defender Diego Leon, with the 17-year-old scheduled to undergo a medical at Carrington as he finalizes his transfer.
The Paraguayan left-back, who has caught attention with his performances for Cerro Porteño in the domestic league, will join United under a pre-contract agreement for a reported fee of £6 million. Although Leon won’t officially join the squad until the summer, his visit to Manchester will include a medical, meetings with key staff members, and a tour of United’s facilities.
Technical director Jason Wilcox has played a key role in securing the deal, highlighting United’s increasing emphasis on scouting young talent from South America.
Leon naturally occupies the left-back position, which has posed challenges for United recently due to ongoing injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. While the club plans to sign a senior left-back this summer, Leon will be allowed the time to develop and adjust to English football.
A similar path is being taken by Sekou Kone, an 18-year-old forward who was signed last year from Guidars FC in Mali. Kone has made just one start for the Under-21s because of injury and is still adapting to the intensity of the game in England.
Both Leon and Kone are viewed as promising talents for Manchester United’s future first team.