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Topics: Manchester United, Arsenal, Football
Nasir Jabbar
Manchester United have completed their first signing of the Ruben Amorim era as they 'adopted a stealthier approach' to beat Arsenal to land the player.
Several players have been linked with Man United following the managerial arrival of Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag last year.
The club also have a buy-back clause for one of 'Europe's best this season' in what would be a shrewd piece of business.
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But the first signing under Amorim's reign has been completed.
Diego Leon travelled to England last week to undergo a Man United medical before signing a pre-contract agreement with the club ahead of a projected £7 million summer switch.
Leon, just 17, will spend the remainder of the 2024/25 season with his club Cerro Porteno in Paraguay with the expectation of then formally joining the Red Devils on July 1, by which he will be 18.
According to The Telegraph, Man United are believed to be paying an initial £3.3 million with a further £820,000 in 'achievable' add-ons.
Cerro Porteno will be in line for a further £2.87 million depending on Leon hitting a number of 'harder' targets.
The left-back is set to pen a five-year deal in the summer, with the option of another year.
Man United have fended off fierce competition to secure Leon's services as Arsenal had entered talks with the teenager's club.
Premier League teams can only sign players from abroad who are over the age of 18 due to Brexit.
According to the report, Man United 'adopted a stealthier approach' to beat their domestic rivals to the punch.
Man United's move for Leon follows a series of similar deals in recent times.
Mali youth defensive midfielder Sekou Kone was signed from Guidars FC for just over £1 million after being first scouted by the club's future talent team at the Under-17 World Cup in 2023.
Not to mention 17-year-old forward Chido Obi-Martin, who was recruited from Arsenal.
Leny Yoro, who has been added to the first-team following his £58.9 million transfer, is another example of Man United's move to a younger profile under the new INEOS ownership.