Man Utd's capture of 'new Caicedo' shows shift in transfer policy under INEOS
YouthWednesday, 15 January 2025 at 11:18
Manchester United scouts were left frustrated when the club missed out on Moises Caicedo and now they believe they have got ahead of competitors with a new signing.
Caicedo was available from Independiente before joining Brighton and later moving to Chelsea for a record £115 million in 2023.
Determined not to repeat such an oversight, United have moved decisively to secure another highly-rated South American talent, Diego Leon.
The 17-year-old Paraguayan left-back is set to join United in the summer after turning 18, with a deal already in place with his current club, Cerro Porteño.
United have agreed a fee that could rise to £7 million, beating out stiff competition for the promising youngster. A pre-contract agreement has been signed, and Leon reportedly underwent a medical over the weekend.
A Shift in Transfer Strategy Under INEOS
The move reflects a deliberate shift in United's recruitment strategy since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS took partial ownership.
Ratcliffe emphasized the importance of targeting young, high-potential players at lower costs, rather than splurging on established stars later.
This approach aims to avoid scenarios like Caicedo’s, where United passed on the Ecuadorian midfielder at 19, only for Brighton to reap the rewards.
United have also had other notable misses in recent years, including Erling Haaland, whom former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recommended to the club as a 17-year-old.
These missteps have led to a renewed focus on identifying and securing emerging talent early.
A New Wave of Youth Signings
Leon’s signing is part of a broader effort by United to bring in top young players with high potential. Recent acquisitions include:
- Chido Obi-Martin: Snatched from Arsenal during the summer, the 17-year-old forward is reportedly making a strong impression with first-team staff.
- Sekou Kone: A Malian youth international defensive midfielder, signed from Guidars FC for £1 million, beating competition from several Premier League clubs.
- Leny Yoro: The highly-rated center-back joined from Lille, despite interest from Real Madrid, adding significant depth to United’s defensive ranks.
This renewed emphasis on youth recruitment reflects United’s commitment to building a sustainable future.
Diego Leon, widely regarded as one of South America’s brightest prospects, represents a significant coup for the club.
Under Ruben Amorim’s guidance, Leon will have the opportunity to develop into a key player for United, ensuring they don’t miss out on another generational talent.
By investing in emerging stars early, United aim to save millions in the long term while fostering a team built for sustained success.
Diego Leon’s impending arrival demonstrates that the lessons from the Caicedo saga have been well and truly learned.
