Exclusive: Man Utd in advanced talks for first Ruben Amorim signing

By: Shawn
Manchester United are reportedly in "advanced negotiations" for a Paraguayan wonderkid who could be Ruben Amorim's first signing.

The Red Devils believe 17-year-old Diego Leon can solve a long-standing left-back problem that has existed since Erik ten Hag's tenure, with South American football journalist Cesar Luis Merlo reporting that the club has agreed on a deal worth around $4 million (£3.1 million) with Cerro Porteno and is now negotiating add-ons and the player's economic rights.

Man Utd Ruben Amorim.
Getty Images

Furthermore, according to ESPN, Leon's agent has been to England to finalize the transfer. Leon will not turn 18 until April 2025, therefore he is anticipated to stay with Cerro Porteno until at least next summer.

In an interview with Deportes Uno, the 17-year-old revealed his enthusiasm about participating in the 2025 Copa Libertadores with Cerro Porteno, as well as his ties to United. He said: "I've read about Manchester United's interest in me, but I know nothing. My agency handles everything. I've spent four years preparing for this moment; you must seize it when it arrives. Now I'm reflecting on everything that transpired this season. I couldn't sleep the night before the premiere because I was so excited.

Cerro Porteno's vice-president, Juan Carlos Pettengill, has confirmed that "Diego Leon will play for the club this season. He can't go till he becomes 18 years old."

Leon has had an impressive 2024 season with Cerro Porteno, featuring in 19 Primera Division Clausura matches and starting 18 of them. His potential arrival is seen as a step toward addressing defensive frailties that have been evident during Amorim’s early days at United, especially on the left, with Luke Shaw still injured and Tyrell Malacia struggling to make an impact.

Leon has had a successful 2024 season with Cerro Porteno, appearing in 19 Primera Division Clausura games and starting 18 of them. His possible arrival is viewed as a step toward fixing defensive flaws that were obvious in Amorim's early days at United, particularly on the left, where Luke Shaw remains sidelined and Tyrell Malacia struggles to make an impression.

MORE FROM SPORT CRAVE

Kylian Mbappe to Arsenal? Former France International Says Premier League Move Cannot Be Ruled Out

Image
‎A future Premier League transfer for Kylian Mbappe cannot be completely ruled out, according to former France international Mikael Silvestre, who believes the Real Madrid forward should ultimately choose the club that gives him the strongest opportunity to win the major trophy missing from his career. ‎ ‎Kylian Mbappe’s future Premier League move is discussed as Mikael Silvestre says Arsenal cannot be ruled out. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎Mbappe appeared to have found the ideal destination when he joined Real Madrid as a ‘Galactico’. However, despite his outstanding individual performances, the France international is still waiting to secure the Champions League and strengthen his case for the Ballon d’Or. ‎ ‎Kylian Mbappe Still Waiting for Champions League Success ‎ ‎Real Madrid have gone two seasons without winning the most prestigious trophy in European football, a situation that has reportedly added to the frustration surrounding Mbappe's pursuit of collective success. ...
Read more

The Rise of Umar 'Mai Yaki' Muhammed: A Young Basketballer’s Journey of Passion and Ambition

Image
‎For Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed, basketball is more than just a sport. It is a passion that has grown into a dream—one that he hopes will take him from the courts of Niger to bigger stages across Nigeria and, eventually, the world. ‎ ‎Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed. ‎Mai Yaki via SC ‎ ‎The upcoming basketballer from Niger, Nigeria, is currently based in Abuja, where he continues to pursue his passion for the game and develop himself as a player. With ambition, dedication and a growing love for basketball, Umar is focused on building a future in the sport he has come to love. ‎ ‎In this exclusive conversation with Sport Crave, Umar opens up about how his journey with basketball began, what keeps him motivated and what he hopes the future holds for his career. ‎ ‎Sport Crave: Umar, tell us about yourself and your basketball journey. ‎ ‎Umar “Mai Yaki” Muhammed: My name is Umar Muhammed, but many people know me as “Mai Yaki.” I am a basketball player from Niger, Nigeria, and right n...
Read more

‎Roma Step Up Alejandro Garnacho and Crysencio Summerville Chase Ahead of New Season

Image
‎Roma are accelerating their search for top-quality attacking reinforcements as they prepare to reshape their frontline before the new season. The Giallorossi have strengthened their pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho while remaining firmly interested in Crysencio Summerville as they aim to assemble a squad capable of competing at the highest level. ‎ ‎Roma intensify transfer talks for Alejandro Garnacho while maintaining strong interest in Crysencio Summerville. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Roma have stepped up their activity in the transfer market, with Alejandro Garnacho continuing to rank among the club's priority targets. According to calcionews24, the Serie A side have made fresh contact regarding the Chelsea starlet, underlining their determination to bring the Argentina international to the Stadio Olimpico. ‎ ‎Although convincing Chelsea to part with the talented winger represents a difficult challenge, Roma believe the deal is complicated but achievable and one that coul...
Read more

Manchester City Agree Deal to Sign Arsenal Midfield Prospect Mishel Nduka

Image
‎Manchester City have reached an agreement to sign Arsenal midfield prospect Mishel Nduka after the 16-year-old turned down a new contract offer from the Gunners. ‎ ‎The England youth international is expected to undergo a medical imminently before completing his move to Manchester City on scholarship terms. A professional contract is then expected to follow as City continue their efforts to recruit and develop some of the most promising young players in the game. ‎ ‎Manchester City have agreed to sign 16-year-old Arsenal midfield prospect Mishel Nduka after he turned down a new contract. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎Arsenal had presented Nduka with a highly competitive long-term contract in an effort to retain the midfielder, but the teenager is now expected to continue his development at Manchester City. ‎ ‎Nduka joined Arsenal from Charlton Athletic in 2025. During the 2025-26 campaign, he featured for Arsenal’s Under-18s and also made appearances for the club’s under-21 si...
Read more

‎Chelsea Complete £117m Morgan Rogers Deal as Blues Hijack Arsenal Transfer Pursuit

Image
‎Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign Morgan Rogers in a blockbuster £117 million transfer, with the England international choosing Stamford Bridge ahead of Premier League rivals Arsenal. ‎ ‎Chelsea agree a record £117m deal for Morgan Rogers as the England star chooses Chelsea over Arsenal after Xabi Alonso’s influence. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎The 23-year-old attacking midfielder was reportedly attracted by Chelsea’s project under new head coach Xabi Alonso, who played a key role in convincing Rogers to join the Blues. ‎ ‎Chelsea Break British Transfer Record with Morgan Rogers Deal ‎ ‎According to a report by The Athletic, Chelsea have accelerated their summer transfer plans by reaching a verbal agreement with Aston Villa for the signing of Rogers. ‎ ‎The deal, worth £117 million, will make Rogers the most expensive player in Chelsea’s history. The fee surpasses the previous British record of £116 million, which Manchester City recently agreed for ...
Read more

Marcus Rashford to Liverpool? David James Backs Shock Premier League Transfer Idea

Image
Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has made a sensational suggestion involving a potential move for Marcus Rashford to Liverpool, despite the fierce rivalry with Manchester United. James believes the England forward’s ability remains unquestionable and feels his qualities could still flourish under the right environment, with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola mentioned as a key managerial influence capable of helping him rediscover top form. ‎ David James backs Liverpool to consider Marcus Rashford transfer, praising his talent and suggesting Iraola could help revive him. ‎Getty Images Sport  The former England international has urged Liverpool to at least consider the possibility of signing Rashford, describing him as an elite-level talent despite recent questions about consistency and his long-term future. Uncertainty around Rashford has grown following reports that Barcelona decided not to activate a £30 million option to make his loan move permanent, leaving his n...
Read more

‎Can England Win the 2026 World Cup? Defence Remains the Biggest Question

Image
‎England enter the 2026 World Cup with plenty of reasons for optimism. Harry Kane continues to rank among the finest strikers in world football, Declan Rice has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders, and Thomas Tuchel brings tactical expertise capable of maximizing an attack filled with elite talent. ‎ England boast elite attacking talent, but concerns over fitness and experience in defence could threaten World Cup success. ‎Getty/GOAL ‎Yet despite their strengths going forward, England's defensive unit remains a major source of uncertainty. ‎ ‎The contrast between attack and defence is striking. While England's forward line can be devastating, Tuchel's preferred back four of Reece James, John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly enters the tournament carrying concerns over fitness, experience and reliability. ‎ ‎Every contender has weaknesses, but England's defensive concerns are among the most visible and could ultimat...
Read more

Pep Guardiola Net Worth in 2026: Salary, Career Earnings, Manchester City Success and Coaching Legacy

Image
‎Pep Guardiola is a Spanish soccer coach and former professional soccer player with an estimated net worth of $160 million. ‎ ‎Widely considered one of the greatest managers in football history, Josep "Pep" Guardiola Sala transformed himself from the midfield orchestrator of Johan Cruyff's famed Barcelona "Dream Team" into one of the most influential coaches the sport has ever seen. His managerial success at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City has been built on tactical innovation, positional play, relentless pressing, and exceptional control of matches. ‎ ‎Pep Guardiola's $160 million net worth, salary, career earnings, coaching success, and football legacy explained. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Throughout his coaching career, Guardiola has led some of football's most dominant teams, helping shape the careers of stars such as Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets at Barcelona before guiding Manchester City to a historic treb...
Read more

Michael Olise Wants Real Madrid Move as Bayern Munich Demand €200 Million Transfer Fee

Image
Michael Olise's future is expected to become one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer window, with the Bayern Munich winger reportedly determined to join Real Madrid after another outstanding season in Germany. ‎ Michael Olise reportedly wants Real Madrid, while Bayern Munich prepare for talks and seek at least €200 million. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ France Star Sees Madrid as Ideal Destination Foot Mercato reports that Olise wants to complete a move to Real Madrid during the current transfer window. The Spanish side are said to have a strong interest in signing the France international, while Marca journalist Pablo Polo claims the club are willing to make a major effort to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu. Following an exceptional domestic campaign, Olise also impressed for France at the World Cup alongside Kylian Mbappe. Their run ended with a 2-0 loss to Spain in the semi-finals, and they are now scheduled to face the loser of England against Argentina in the...
Read more

Giannis Antetokounmpo Traded to Miami Heat in Blockbuster Deal as Bucks Begin Rebuild

Image
‎The Miami Heat have completed one of the NBA's biggest trades, acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks and bringing an end to the superstar's lengthy tenure with the franchise that drafted him. ‎ ‎The Miami Heat acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis as Milwaukee secures young players and picks. ‎Getty Images ‎As part of the agreement, Bobby Portis will also head to Miami. Milwaukee receives a substantial package featuring Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, three first-round draft picks, a 2030 pick swap and a 2033 second-round pick. ‎ ‎Among those draft assets is the No. 13 overall selection in Tuesday's NBA Draft. The remaining two first-round picks included in the trade are unprotected. ‎ ‎Why the Bucks Chose to Move On ‎ ‎For more than a year, reports suggested Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee was uncertain. The speculation intensified after a disappointing 32-50 season in which the Bucks fin...
Read more