Manchester United signed Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno last January, but the deal became official this summer.
The attacking instinct of the 18-year-old had caught INEOS’ attention, and an initial fee of £3.3 million was agreed swiftly.
Ruben Amorim had termed him one for the future, but such was his impact upon his arrival that academy wonderkid Harry Amass was loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday.
The Englishman had made his breakthrough last season under the Portuguese tactician, but the Paraguayan was deemed more ready to step up to the plate if needed.
Initial days of Diego Leon
Initial loan plans were scrapped, and the 18-year-old travelled for the club’s pre-season tour and impressed. Senior United stars like Casemiro and Tom Heaton have tried to help him settle into his new surroundings.
He has since been named in two matchday squads, but is yet to make his first team debut. And his recent U21 experience against Liverpool showed exactly why Amorim has stopped short of handing him his debut.
The full-back looked raw, and was hooked at half-time, and now, as per SportsBoom, the United starlet is expected to leave on loan in January.
A number of South American clubs are keen on a short-term deal, and the Red Devils will be careful when finding a temporary home to ensure his chances of a breakthrough are enhanced.
“Manchester United want to loan out starlet Diego León in January to fast track his progress at the club, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
Loan for Leon?
“Sources have been told United are keen to find him a loan move for the second half of the season as they look to carefully plot his route into first-team action at the club.
“There are a number of clubs in South America monitoring his availability for a short-term deal.”
A loan move down the EFL ladder would suit him best, as it would help him gain strength and understand what is required to succeed in English football.
A European loan would not be the worst choice, from an adaptability point of view. But sending him back to South America might not be the best move. The ball seems to be in INEOS’ court.
Feature image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
