Done deal - Man Utd complete next summer transfer signing as first team plan laid out

Manchester United have wrapped up their second signing of the summer transfer window with a long-awaited move for young defender Diego León now confirmed as a done deal.

An agreement on the move for the Paraguay youth international was reached back in January but United have been unable to confirm a move until after the player’s 18th birthday, which was in April.

It is understood Leon has signed an initial five-year deal at the club with the transfer worth up to £7m. United will pay Paraguayan club Cerro Porteño an initial fee in the region of £3.2m, with over half of the £7m coming in potential add-ons.

A club statement from United confirmed: “Manchester United are delighted to announce the signing of exciting young defender Diego León, subject to registration.

“The Paraguay youth international has joined from Cerro Porteño in his homeland. The talented full-back has already played 33 senior games, scoring 4 goals, for his club.”

How Man Utd plan to use Diego León

León is poised to take part during United’s pre-season as the Reds prepare for a return to training on Monday. Five players - Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sacho, Tyrell Malacia and Alejandro Garnacho - will not be present as they look to secure moves away from the club.

The Red Devils start pre-season against Leeds United in Sweden on July 19 before taking on West Ham United in the Premier League Summer Series on July 27. They also play Bournemouth and Everton on July 31 and August 3 before finalising their preparations with a clash against Serie A side Fiorentina.

León is likely to feature for the Under-21s when the competitive season rolls around to allow him time to settle but he is poised to train regularly with the senior side with genuine first-team aspirations for the 18-year-old. Ruben Amorim has shown he is not shy in using youth, having handed debuts to Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi Martin in the most recent campaign.

Diego Leon backing himself for first-team role at Man Utd

Speaking about his aspirations for United, the player told reporters at the airport as he prepared to fly to Manchester: "Everyone thinks I'll go out on loan, but I don't have that mindset. I'm going to kill it in the preseason, and within one or two games, I'll already be playing with them.

“The feelings are indescribable. 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. 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.”

Leon plays as a left-back or left wing-back and will likely be used in the latter role under Amorim. With Malacia looking for a departure and with Luke Shaw facing frequent injury problems, Leon’s first-team chance could yet arrive sooner than expected.