Manchester United Confirm Signing of Teenage Left-Back Leon from Cerro Porteño
Manchester United have officially completed the signing of 18-year-old left-back Leon from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteño in a deal worth an initial £3.3 million ($4.4m), with performance-based add-ons potentially taking the fee to £7 million. The promising defender has signed a five-year contract running until June 30, 2030.
The move, initially reported by GOAL in December 2024, forms part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s long-term strategy to invest in emerging talent. Leon, who made his professional debut in August 2024 — scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Sportivo Ameliano — featured 23 times across all competitions, including the Copa Libertadores. His speed, physicality, and 78% duel success rate have drawn comparisons to legendary full-back Marcelo.
Dubbed a “teenage Wayne Rooney” by Paraguayan football analyst Ralph Hannah due to his early impact, Leon’s attacking flair and adaptability as a wing-back make him well-suited for Rúben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
United beat off competition from Arsenal and Manchester City, with technical director Jason Wilcox finalising the deal in January 2025. However, Premier League regulations prevented Leon from joining until his 18th birthday in April.
With Luke Shaw struggling for fitness and Tyrell Malacia recovering from long-term knee issues, the youngster adds depth to a problem area. Though a loan move remains a possibility, Leon may be eased into first-team action as a backup to Patrick Dorgu, who also joined in January.
The transfer is part of United’s £358.5 million summer overhaul, which has included marquee signings like Harry Kane (£122m), Viktor Gyökeres (£110m), and Bryan Mbeumo (£63m), alongside youth prospects such as Chido Obi-Martin and Sekou Kone.
Following the departures of nine players — including Victor Lindelöf and Christian Eriksen — and Alejandro Garnacho’s £50 million switch to Arsenal, the club is focused on rebuilding for domestic and European challenges.
While Leon’s immediate future remains uncertain, the signing signals United’s renewed commitment to sustainable squad building, blending star power with next-generation promise.
