Diego Leon says he will convince Ruben Amorim to keep him at Manchester United by making an immediate impression and ‘killing it’ in pre-season.
The 18-year-old left wing-back, widely regarded to be among the most exciting teenage talents in South American football, is expected to finalise a transfer move to United over the coming days.
The Red Devils agreed a £3.4million deal with Paraguayan outfit Cerro Porteno for Leon earlier this year and the youngster was pictured catching a flight to the north west of England today to sign on the dotted line at Old Trafford.
It’s understood the Paraguay Under-20 international will put pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Theatre of Dreams, tying him to the club until June 2030.
Given his tenders years, the expectation has been for Leon to be eased intothe fold, before making the step up into Amorim’s first-team squad in due course.
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There has also been some talk that Leon could be immediately loaned out to ensure the full-back is guaranteed regular minutes and his development is not hampered.
But speaking to journalist Matias Cuevas before catching his flight to England, Leon insisted he had no intention of going anywhere else on a temporary basis next season.
‘The sensations are inexplicable. You feel so many things. The truth is, I’m very happy, very happy to be there,’ Leon said.
‘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.’
While Leon admits he will have to rapidly ‘adapt’ to life in a new environment, he is confident he will reach ‘the top’ down the line.
He added: ‘Thank God for the opportunity. I think it was a bit quick too, but hey, you have to adapt quickly once you’re there.
‘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.’
Leon’s father, Basilio, called on the teen to grasp the opportunity with both hands as he spoke alongside his son at the airport.
‘Don’t mess around, my son,’ he said.
Make the most of these four years. Don’t make any mistakes.’
Matheus Cunha remains United’s only other piece of transfer business this summer, with the Brazilian attacking joining in a £62.5m move from Wolves last month.
But determined to make up ground on the Premier League after a wretched campaign, the Red Devils are looking to strengthen Amorim’s squad from back to front.
After missing out on Liam Delap, it’s believed England duo Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins are being eyed as possible targets with a view to providing competition for Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee up front.
Old Trafford bosses are also prioritising a move for a goalkeeper to replace the error-prone Andre Onana and the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Bart Verbruggen, Diogo Costa and Lucas Chevalier have all being linked in recent weeks.