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Canada and ex-West Ham ace Leon seals summer switch to Manchester United ending Real Madrid and Barcelona rumours

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ADRIANA LEON has sealed a summer move to Manchester United – days after bidding farewell to West Ham after a three-year spell.

The Canada winger, 29, who had been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona, joins Marc Skinner’s side on a two-year deal.

Adriana Leon has become the first Canadian player to join Man United’s WSL teamCredit: Getty

The forward, who is also thought to have attracted interest from Brighton, is a fan of the Red Devils, who finished fourth in the Women’s Super League last term.

The WSL ace scored 13 goals in 59 West Ham appearances and is United’s first signing in this summer’s transfer window.

Leon, who has 81 Canada caps, said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled and honoured to join this historic football club.

“To be the first Canadian female player to play for Manchester United fills me with immense pride and excitement.

“I can’t wait to join this talented group and put on the famous red jersey.”

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United boss Skinner, 39, added: “Adriana is a player that will excite our fans and offer valuable experience both on and off the field.

“I was extremely impressed with Adriana’s character, as she expressed confidence and fearlessness when we discussed her coming to Manchester United.

“Her flexibility to play in multiple positions effectively, while attacking and defending one-on-one duels with ferocity, will add excellent variety to our continuously developing team.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with Adriana as we journey towards future success.”

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Leon’s transfer comes two days after she officially confirmed her Irons departure with a ‘thank you’ message to fans and the club published on her Instagram page.

The winger, who moved to London from OL Reign in 2019, helped the Hammers reach the Women’s FA Cup final that year with Man City winning 3-0.

Leon’s United switch comes almost a year on from the player, who is one of Canada’s top ten goal scorers, helping her national side win gold at the Tokyo Olympics.

The move will see the club boost its attacking ranks ahead of pre-season clashes with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain in the Amos Women’s French Cup.

And next term they will continue their push to break the top three dominance of Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City in the WSL.  

Alessia Russo and Ella Toone could be in line to make an England appearance at Old Trafford with United team-mate Mary EarpsCredit: PA

United’s squad includes aces competing in this summer’s Women’s Euros including England stars Mary Earps, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo, Spain’s Ona Batlle and Holland’s Jackie Groenen.

The Lionesses trio could be set to make history by becoming the first England Women’s aces to play at Old Trafford in the contest’s opener on Wednesday.

The tournament could also see the trio go up against clubmates Vilde Boe Risa and Maria Thorisdottir in England’s clash with Norway.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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