Manchester United’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, is actively involved in efforts to secure the signing of Diego Leon. Wilcox is reportedly prioritizing the acquisition, focusing on strengthening the squad with the talented player to enhance the team’s competitive edge in upcoming matches and seasons.
Manchester United are reportedly advancing efforts to secure the signing of Diego Leon, a highly-rated young talent from Paraguayan club Cerro Porteño. This pursuit comes amidst significant upheaval within the club’s hierarchy, with Dan Ashworth’s abrupt departure leaving United without a sporting director as the January transfer window approaches. The uncertainty around leadership has raised questions about who will oversee recruitment during this critical period.
Despite the turbulence, journalist Eduardo Burgos reports that Jason Wilcox, Manchester United’s technical director, is actively leading negotiations for the acquisition of Leon, a promising 17-year-old left-back. According to Burgos, cited by Ben Jacobs, Leon’s performances for Cerro Porteño have caught the attention of several top clubs, with United eager to outmaneuver their competition for his signature. In the 2024 Primera División Clausura season, Leon showcased his potential by making 19 appearances and contributing two goals—an impressive feat for a young defender.
Reports suggest that the Premier League giants are in advanced discussions with Cerro Porteño regarding the transfer. Journalist César Luis Merlo claims that the two clubs have agreed on a transfer fee, believed to be around £3.1 million. The negotiations now hinge on finalizing finer details, including a potential sell-on clause for Leon’s current club. Encouragingly, the player is optimistic about the deal’s successful conclusion in the near future.
Wilcox’s involvement in this operation highlights his growing influence within the club’s recruitment strategy. His experience in orchestrating deals, such as the agreement with Paris Saint-Germain for Manuel Ugarte over the summer, underscores his capability to navigate complex negotiations. Securing Leon’s transfer would be another testament to his expertise.
Diego Leon, regarded by Transfermarkt as one of the most promising U18 talents in South America, has also drawn interest from Arsenal. This adds urgency to United’s pursuit as they aim to bolster their future squad depth by bringing in the young full-back. While Ruben Amorim may have to wait a few years for Leon to fully develop into a first-team regular, his acquisition could prove to be a long-term asset for the Red Devils. As the January transfer window looms, all eyes will be on United’s ability to finalize this promising deal.
