Man Utd’s Diego Leon transfer is sign of new policy after being stung by at least six big-name deals
MANCHESTER UNITED’S transfer swoop for Diego Leon is the sign of a shift in policy.
The Paraguayan full-back, 17, completed a medical with the Red Devils after a deal worth up to £7million was agreed with Cerro Porteno.
Leon is expected to see out the season with Cerro before joining Man Utd on July 1, by which time he will be 18.
The left-sided defender is the latest youngster to sign for United.
Last season the Red Devils pounced for Malian teenager Sekou Kone and Arsenal starlet Chido Obi-Martin.
In the summer they forked out £59m for Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro.
According to the Telegraph, this marks a very deliberate shift in policy following several transfer mistakes in recent years.
Red Devils scouts recommended Moises Caicedo prior to his switch to Brighton, only for transfer chiefs to dither.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, meanwhile, famously recommended Erling Haaland to United bosses.
Red Devils scouts watched Pedro Neto while he was at Braga but club chiefs did not pull the trigger on a move.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: STAY UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST MOVES FROM THE JANUARY WINDOW
They also kept tabs on Benjamin Sesko as a 16-year-old in Slovenia, and Stefan Bajcetic prior to his move to Liverpool.
United watched Jamal Musiala but could not get a deal over the line.
The Red Devils have reshaped their transfer structure since Ineos’ arrival.
Omar Berrada arrived from Manchester City as CEO.
And Jason Wilcox joined from Southampton as technical director.
Dan Ashworth was recruited from Newcastle to be sporting director, but left after just five months – with Wilcox so far assuming his responsibilities.
The signing of Leon is thought to be largely Wilcox-driven.
Leon has made 19 top flight appearances in Paraguay.