Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Luke Shaw, Manchester United, Premier League
Jack Kenmare
Diego Leon has made an instant impression with the Manchester United fan base after he spoke about his incoming move ahead of a flight to England.
The 18-year-old left-back, who is widely regarded as one of South America's most promising talents, is on the verge of joining United following an impressive breakthrough season for Paraguayan Primera Division side Club Porteno.
After impressing onlookers with his physicality and speed, the teenager was targeted by a number of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester City.
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But the Paraguayan full-back agreed a pre-contract deal with United in the winter window, and a club announcement is expected in the coming days.
Ahead of his move being made official, Leon spoke to journalist Matias Cuevas before catching his flight to England – and the interview has since gone viral after the Paraguayan outlined his ambitions to break into Ruben Amorim's first-team squad.
"The sensations are inexplicable," he said in the airport interview. "You feel so many things. The truth is, I’m very happy, very happy to be there."
He added: "I think every player dreams of this and I have the opportunity, I’m going to kill it in pre-season and in one or two games I’ll be playing with them."
In addition to the above, Leon said he is confident about reaching the pinnacle of world football.
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"Thank God for the opportunity. I think it was a bit quick too, but hey, you have to adapt quickly once you’re there," he added.
"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."
Here's how fans on social media reacted to Leon's interview.
One wrote: "Diego Leon has already made it clear he’s not going out on loan. He believes he'll be in the starting lineup. That’s top-tier mentality," while another said: "That is what we want to hear."
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A third commented: "Love the confidence, Diego Leon sounds hungry and ready to prove himself. That mindset can take him far."
A fourth wrote: "Never heard or watched the kid but i like his mindset," and a fifth added: "Will cut his teeth with the U21s as he acclimatises is the most likely scenario."
Leon is expected to initially spend time with the club’s under-21 side, according to The Athletic, although the teenager could be promoted if he adapts quickly.
Speaking to Transfermarkt, ESPN editor Roberto Rojas gave an insight into Leon's rise.
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“He's a player with a lot of promise, who happened to make this big jump into the first team at Cerro Porteño so quickly,” he said.
“As someone coming from a remote place (Yguazú, in Alto Paraná which is roughly 300 km from the capital Asuncion) and growing up in difficult circumstances, León has proven to be someone who can surpass that adversity to get to where he's been.
"He's definitely viewed highly because of his talent and recent performances for one of the biggest clubs in the country and occupying that left flank as a full-back has allowed him to be someone who can go onto the attack, start playing from the back and also be versatile."
If he makes Ruben Amorim's first-team squad in 2025/26, then Leon will compete with Luke Shaw, Harry Amass and Patrick Dorgu, who established himself as the first-choice left wing-back towards the end of last term.