Cristian Orozco: Man United to sign Colombian midfielder for bargain fee | OneFootball

Manchester United have secured the services of an immensely talented midfielder in a bargain deal.

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United have agreed a deal to sign Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF.

The 17-year-old midfielder was part of the Colombia youth side that reached the final of the 2025 CONMEBOL South American U-17 Championship in the summer.

Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra first broke the story early this week, revealing that an agreement in principle has been reached for the player to move to United once he turns 18 in July 2026. Now, he has provided more details on the prospective deal.

Manchester United are signing Cristian Orozco for peanuts

According to Sierra, United are paying approximately $1 million (£750,000) to Fortaleza for Orozco.

He further revealed that the Premier League giants’ plan is to monitor him until next summer, complete medical tests and other formalities in July, before making a final decision on his development path.

If United feel he isn’t ready to move to England, they would be willing to let him continue at Fortaleza or join another INEOS-owned club on loan.

Manchester United continue to strengthen academy

The signing of Orozco is in line with INEOS’s plan to invest heavily in recruiting up-and-coming talents for the club’s academy.

United signed midfielder Sekou Kone from Malian club Guidars FC for around £1m in the 2024 summer transfer window.

Orozco mainly plays as a defensive midfielder, having impressed with his intensity and positional awareness.

The right-footed midfielder plays on the front and is aggressive in his attempts to win the ball. Accordingly, he has drawn comparisons to Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo, who was on United’s radar before leaving Ecaudorian side Independiente del Valle for Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021.

Orozco also serves as the captain of Colombia U-17s, owing to his leadership qualities.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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