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Manchester United signed young defender Diego Leon, pending registration. The Paraguayan youth international has 33 senior appearances and 4 goals.
Manchester United announce signing of Diego Leon (X)
Manchester United announced the signing of young defender Diego Leon, pending registration approval, on Saturday.
The Paraguayan youth international moves from Cerro Porteño in his home country.
The skilled full-back has already made 33 senior appearances, scoring 4 goals, for his club.
Leon turned 18 in April and, as an emerging talent, will receive support from our first team and the Academy while he adjusts to life in Manchester.
What Did Leon Say?
“I’m really happy, I think every player dreams of this,” Leon was quoted as saying by 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,” he added.
In an inteview with Matias Cuevas he said: “The sensations are inexplicable. You feel so many things. The truth is, I’m very happy, very happy to be there. I think every player dreams of this, and I have the opportunity,” he explained to assembled journalists ahead of catching his flight.
“Thank God for the opportunity. I think it was a bit quick too, but hey, you have to adapt quickly once you’re there. I’m already a professional. You have to adapt quickly.
“I’ll have to adapt a bit to the climate, the language, and all that. I have a lot of confidence in myself. I’m going to be at the top with them. Now with the faith intact that I can succeed.”
Who Is Diego Leon?
A year ago, Diego Leon was virtually unknown—even in his own country.
At just 17, he was a promising left back rising through the youth system of Cerro Porteño, one of Paraguay’s biggest football clubs.
Then, last August, his fortunes changed. Cerro’s then-manager, former Sevilla icon and Spanish international Manolo Jiménez, saw potential in Leon and fast-tracked him to the senior team.
Leon made an immediate impact. In his debut match against Sport Ameliano, he scored the game’s only goal.
Overnight, he became a sensation. Premier League scouts quickly took notice. Arsenal were initially linked, but by year’s end, Manchester United had sealed the deal.
Due to FIFA rules, Leon had to remain in Paraguay until turning 18 in April. Now eligible to move, he’s set to begin the next chapter of his career in England.
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
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