Man Utd may have signed the next Moises Caicedo (Image: Getty)
Manchester United scouts were frustrated when Old Trafford chiefs allowed Moises Caicedo to slip through their grasp. The Red Devils had the opportunity to sign the midfielder from Independiente before he joined Brighton, and subsequently passed when signed him for £115million in 2023.
But the same error will not happen in the case of another highly-rated South American talent, Diego Leon. The left-back will join United in the summer once he turns 18 after the club agreed a fee rising to £7m with his club Cerro Porteno.
United are widely reported to have raced ahead of the competition for the Paraguayan, having suffered several near misses with previous emerging talent. A pre-contract agreement has been signed and Leon is understood to have undergone a medical over the weekend.
It is a clear shift in transfer strategy under co-owners INEOS. Upon completing his purchase of shares 12 months ago, made the point that United must target young players when they are cheaper and in need of development.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
That will prevent the repeat of a scenario like Caicedo, who United missed out on and who Brighton profited from enormously. United would have saved millions on a new midfielder if they had simply signed the now- star when his name was put to them by scouts when he was 19.
There are other similar stories to Caicedo’s. claims he was ignored when he mentioned a 17-year-old to those upstairs at Old Trafford.
United have made a concerted effort to prevent those tales from being repeated. Chido Obi-Martin was captured from rivals during the summer. The 17-year-old is reportedly impressing first-team staff.
Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim will reportedly land South American talent Diego Leon (Image: Getty)
Malian youth international Sekou Kone was signed from Guidars FC for £1m. Several other clubs had been interested in the defensive midfielder.
United also landed Leny Yoro from French club Lille. The centre-back had been linked with Real Madrid before completing a switch to Old Trafford. will now get to work with one of the world’s most highly-rated defenders, who might have been unattainable had he joined another European club.
A focus on signing emerging talent rather than spending huge sums on ready-made stars is set to save United millions in the years to come. Leon’s addition proves that the Red Devils have learned their lesson from the Caicedo episode.