Diego Leon: Nice favourites to sign Man United youngster on loan in January

Manchester United reached an agreement with Cerro Porteno to secure the services of young left-back Diego Leon in January this year.

The teenager eventually joined his new team this summer and was initially expected to leave on loan. However, the Red Devils opted to keep hold of the Paraguayan amid speculation that he could be drafted directly into the senior squad.

Although Leon has been in the matchday squad on a few occasions, the youngster is yet to make his debut for the senior side this season.

All of Leon’s five appearances have come for United’s Under-21 team, with the player also finding the back of the net once.

Meanwhile, the Paraguayan remains a long way down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim, who has deployed Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot in the left wing-back position.

Neither player has managed to convince, but that hasn’t opened up the doors to the first team for Leon.

With Lisandro Martinez nearing full fitness, Amorim could also opt to use Luke Shaw, who has been operating in the back three, in the wing-back role. As such, the Paraguayan’s situation at the Theatre of Dreams may not improve any time soon.

A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that Leon is eager to leave on loan in January. An update has now emerged on the situation.

According to Pasion Estudio , Nice have emerged as the favourites in the race to sign Leon on loan in January. The Ligue 1 club are also owned by INEOS, who have been careful to avoid UEFA conflicts while initiating deals within the company structure.

Nevertheless, media in Paraguay are convinced that the French club remains a possible destination for Leon in the winter.

A move to the Allianz Riviera could help the youngster secure regular game time in a competitive league, which will aid his development.

Leon is highly rated in his country and has already broken into the senior national team this year. The youngster is tipped for a big future and needs to gain experience by playing regularly soon.

A move to Nice, as such, could suit all parties involved. A temporary spell in France could enable Leon to come back stronger and compete for a place in Amorim’s team next season.

He could even be a long-term solution for the left-sided wing-back role in the Portuguese head coach’s set-up.

– Monday, 24 November 2025

Featured image Molly Darlington via Getty Images

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