One Brighton star has explained why he is helping a Manchester United player behind the scenes right now.
Manchester United officially signed Diego Leon from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteño in the summer after initially reaching an agreement with the player in January.
Leon, 18, immediately joined the pre-season under Ruben Amorim where he impressed enough to be selected on the tour of the United States.
Since then, the defender is yet to make his official first-team debut but has been named in Amorim’s squad three times. He struggled in a recent outing for the Under-21s.
He is reportedly becoming a popular member around the first-team squad but still cannot speak or understand English very well.
Brighton star explains why he is helping United player
Similarly to Sekou Kone last year, Kone is going through a very difficult period moving so far away from home and these opening months should really be focused on him finding his feet in Manchester.
While he has the support of United players and staff, Leon is also receiving support from Brighton midfielder and Paraguayan international Diego Gómez.
Gomez, now 22, left his home country in 2023 for Inter Miami so he is somewhat familiar with the difficulties Leon will be facing. He scored four incredible goals in Brighton’s recent win over Barnsley.
“I always try to talk to him, because no one else has achieved what he has. Imagine coming here at the age of 18, outside your country, miles away from Paraguay,” Gomes told Versus Radio of Leon.
“I always try to support him because I know how much it hurts to be away from your family and your country. When you come here, it’s strange. You feel a different culture. I always try to talk to him.
“Hopefully, we can have a lunch like this so we can meet up with him and help him with whatever he needs.”
Leon in difficult position
Leon being in the first-team regularly at the moment could be due to the language barrier with many of his Academy teammates.
But it does feel like he needs that time in the youth sides this season, he has only played a couple of games so far this term.
Consistent football is required, especially since Patrick Dorgu is holding down the left flank in the first-team right now. There is little chance for Leon in Amorim’s side.
It is good to see that Leon is getting that support behind-the-scenes though, both from his teammates and Gomez.
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