OGC have emerged as a possible destination for one of Rúben Amorim’s current crop as Manchester United look for game-time for their fringe players.
Manchester United’s summer transfer window saw the club move on a whole host of their previous talent, with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Højlund all being either sold or loaned with the view of a permanent sale in 2026.
However, Rúben Amorim’s club also made excellent use of the loan market for their Academy players, with many of United’s finest young talents finding their feet within the English pyramid.
The two standout stars on loan out from Carrington have been Harry Amass at Sheffield Wednesday and Radek Vitek with Bristol City. The former has been a star at left-back, while the latter’s performances in goal have piqued the interest of many.
With United hoping to secure European football next season, these loan moves could prove pivotal to their development before they have a shot at making the first-team squad next campaign.
Nice targeting Leon loan transfer
Amass made his debut for United toward the back end of last season and put in some impressive displays, but the club then pushed forward with the signing of teen left-back star Diego Leon from Cerro Porteño, Paraguay.
After initially starting with the first team during pre-season, Leon started playing for the U21S, where manager Travis Binnion admitted that Leon needed to reach the key milestone of playing 90 minutes, which he finally did at the beginning of this month.
With the player’s physical strength improving, outlet Pasión Estudio have claimed that Leon could be leaving United on loan in the winter market.
Further, it’s stated that the main current option the 18-year-old has is joining Ligue 1 side OGC Nice in January, also owned by United’s co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United have already used the INEOS-owned multiclub model, having sent Enzo Kana-Biyik on loan to Swiss Super League club Lausanne-Sport, also under the British billionaire’s umbrella.
Ligue 1 could be perfect for Leon’s development
While a Championship loan has been the best route for Amass and Vitek, sending Leon to the French league instead of England may be the best bet.
Ligue 1 is known to be the closest league to the Premier League in terms of intensity compared to any other major league in Europe, which would do the young defender a world of good.
A Championship loan is always a fantastic option for young Premier League stars as it helps raise their physical levels, but if heading down the English pyramid is not on the cards, gaining experience in the French league is also a fantastic option.
Also, Leon is still learning English, but is fluent in Spanish, so sending him to a top-five league in Europe could allow him to communicate more easily with some of his teammates in France who may speak the same language, compared to the Championship.
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