Manchester United have officially completed the signing of highly-rated teenage defender Diego Leon.
The Paraguayan left-back, 18, has signed a long-term contract at Old Trafford after a deal was agreed with Primera Division side Cerro Porteno earlier this year.
United’s deal for Leon could reportedly be worth a total of £7million including add-ons, with a fee of approximately £3.3m paid up front.
He joins the Red Devils on a professional deal after turning 18 in April, having already played 33 times in senior club football and scored four goals, in addition to featuring regularly for Paraguay at youth level.
It remains to be seen if Leon might yet leave United on loan this summer, though the club appeared to suggest in their statement to announce the signing that he would be staying put in Manchester for now.
“Manchester United are delighted to announce the signing of exciting young defender Diego León, subject to registration,” United said.
“The Paraguay youth international has joined from Cerro Porteno in his homeland.
We are delighted to announce the signing of defender Diego Leon, subject to registration.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 5, 2025
Welcome to United! 🇵🇾❤️🔥
“The talented full-back has already played 33 senior games, scoring 4 goals, for his club.
“Leon reached the age of 18 in April and as an emerging talent will be supported by our first team and the Academy whilst he settles into life in Manchester. Welcome to United, Diego!”
Leon is the second player to arrive at United this summer, following the £62.5m addition of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves last month.
United are also still trying to close a deal for Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo and continue to be heavily linked with a number of striker targets including Napoli’s former Galatasaray loanee Victor Osimhen, having missed out to Chelsea on the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich.
Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen have both left the club following the expiration of their contracts, though goalkeeper Tom Heaton signed another 12-month extension and fellow veteran Jonny Evans has retired and taken up a new role as loans and pathways manager.
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia have all reportedly seen their return dates delayed having informed the club of their desire to leave this summer.
It will be interesting to see if Leon, in a full-back pecking order that already includes the likes of Patrick Dorgu, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Harry Amass, can register a first-team impact under Ruben Amorim, who returned to work at Carrington on Friday with the rest of United’s players due back for the start of pre-season on Monday.
United have a friendly against rivals Leeds to come in Stockholm on July 19, after which they travel to the United States for Premier League Summer Series games against West Ham, Everton and Bournemouth, before a home fixture against Fiorentina.
