Manchester United Secure Deal for Colombian Midfield Prospect Cristian Orozco

Manchester United have finalized an agreement to sign 17-year-old midfielder Cristian Orozco from Colombian side Fortaleza CEIF.

Orozco, who captains Colombia’s Under-17 national team, has been a standout performer, helping his country reach the final of the U17 South American Championship earlier this year. The defensive midfielder is regarded as a promising talent with the potential to break into United’s first team.

Due to FIFA transfer regulations, Orozco cannot officially complete his move to Old Trafford until he turns 18 next year. He will remain with Fortaleza CEIF until the transfer is finalized in July 2026.

The teenager’s profile has been likened to Sekou Kone, who joined United’s academy from Guidars FC in Mali for around £1 million during the 2024 summer transfer window. Like Orozco, Kone impressed scouts at youth international level before making the switch.

United have ramped up their global youth recruitment strategy in recent years, especially outside Europe, due to Brexit restrictions on signing young players within the continent.

In a similar move earlier this year, the club agreed a deal worth up to £7 million to sign Paraguayan midfielder Diego Leon from Cerro Porteño. Leon, who joined United in the summer, has already trained with the first team and was unveiled at Old Trafford alongside new signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško.

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