English Manchester United has identified its first deals before the opening of the winter transfer market to strengthen its ranks under the leadership of its new Portuguese coach, Ruben Amorim.
Press reports indicated that Amorim is planning to make large-scale changes in the team’s ranks during the upcoming winter transfer period.
According to talkSPORT radio, United are in talks to sign teenager Diego Leon, the star of Cerro Porteno, who plays in the first division in Costa Rica, and whose value is estimated at more than $5 million.
The negotiations are being led by Manchester United’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, after the sudden departure of Dan Ashworth after only 5 months in assuming the position.
However, Lyon, who is 17 years old, will not be able to join Old Trafford next January, as the rules of the English Football Association and the Premier League prohibit the signing of foreign players before they reach the age of 18.
🚨🔴 The agreement between Man United and Cerro Porteno for 17 year old left back Diego León is almost done.
Fee worth $5m plus add-ons, final details being sealed with Jason Wilcox taking care of it.
Negotiations underway on player’s salary/contract.
Here we go, soon. 🇵🇾 pic.twitter.com/kKBfxzTDn8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 12, 2024
However, these rules do not prevent clubs from concluding prior agreements to include underage players, which allows United to finalize the deal early.
The Paraguayan left-back excelled in the Costa Rican league last season, playing 19 matches and scoring two goals, which attracted the attention of Manchester United officials looking for solutions in this position.
United are suffering on the left side after injuries to duo Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malazia. Although Shaw recently returned from a calf injury, he suffered a setback that sent him back to the treatment room.