Manchester United Poised to Sign Unexpected Left-Back for ‘Greater Than Anticipated’ Fee: Report

Manchester United are “extremely close” to finalizing a deal for a left-back.

After facing a tough defeat against Nottingham Forest last Saturday, the Red Devils saw their sporting director Dan Ashworth depart the club, amidst a chaotic weekend at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, the plans for the January transfer window remain unchanged.

Without a new director expected to take over Ashworth's duties, Manchester United are moving forward with their plans and aim to secure a young left-back shortly.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is in need of a new left-back, as his current selections are lacking

Amorim has numerous makeshift alternatives he can utilize at left wing-back – but lacks a true specialist for the position.

Tyrell Malacia and Diogo Dalot are among the options, with Antony also considered for the role. Luke Shaw appears to be transitioned more into a centre-back role in this setup, as does Noussair Mazraoui, who is better suited to the right side.

This has prompted United to pursue Cerro Porteno’s teenager Diego Leon, with journalist Uriel Iugt sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter) indicating that a deal is progressing.

Interestingly, Iugt's reported figure of $5 million is greater than the previously mentioned $4 million by Paraguayan source D Sports, which supports the story.

At just 17 years old, Leon is highly regarded and viewed as a promising talent for the future. The young prodigy wouldn't be eligible to play for the club until he turns 18 – indicating that this could be primarily a developmental signing for the under-21 team rather than an immediate first-team acquisition.

However, in eScored's view, Leon might indeed be signed with the prospect of playing for Amorim in the upcoming season. The Portuguese coach has a history of nurturing young talent, with Geovany Quenda, another wing-back, serving as a prime example of a young star being given significant playing time at an early age.

Quenda, who is ranked at no.39 in eScored's list of the most thrilling teenagers to watch this season, has been connected with a potential move to the Red Devils to play alongside Leon.

Leon is reportedly valued at €1m, according to Transfermarkt. United will clash with Manchester City this weekend during the Manchester Derby when Premier League action resumes.