Diego Leon’s agent confirms 2026 transfer plans

Ruben Amorim’s long-term squad planning at Manchester United has placed renewed emphasis on recruiting young, high-upside talent capable of developing within the club’s structure.

One of the clearest examples of that approach came in the summer, when United moved quickly to secure one of South America’s most promising defensive prospects.

The club completed the signing of Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno in July, finalising the deal shortly after the left-back turned 18.

United are understood to have paid a fee in the region of £3.5–4 million, with performance-related add-ons included, reflecting both León’s potential.

Naturally left-footed, Leon operates primarily as a left-back but is also comfortable higher up the flank, offering attacking output, recovery pace, and high energy.

Since arriving in Manchester, Leon has been eased into the club’s structure rather than fast-tracked, featuring consistently for Manchester United U21s, where he has made eight appearances so far this season.

While he has yet to make his senior debut, the teenager has been named in four first-team matchday squads under Ruben Amorim, a sign that he remains firmly within the club’s short- and medium-term plans.

However, with competition at full-back and limited senior minutes available, speculation began to surface earlier this winter about whether a loan move could accelerate his development.

That context set the stage for clarity over León’s immediate future — clarity that has now been provided directly by his representatives.

Speculation surrounding Diego León’s short-term future has been brought to a close, with the teenager set to remain at Manchester United for the rest of the season.

The clarification has come directly from his agent, Renato Bittar, who confirmed that no loan move will take place in January despite reports linking the player with a temporary exit.

“We’re always in touch with the club, and Diego Leon will stay at United for the entire season; he’s not going anywhere.”, Renato said.

The agent also underlined his belief that remaining in Manchester is the best option for the young defender at this stage of his career.

“In my opinion, Diego Leon should stay at Manchester United. He’s playing for the U21s and alternating as a substitute [on the bench] in the first team,” Bittar has stated.