Colombian teenage midfielder Cristian Orozco is poised to join Manchester United’s development system, with a preliminary agreement in place and his official transfer from Fortaleza CEIF expected in July after he turns 18.
According to a report from Manchester Evening News, Manchester United is poised to secure the signature of highly-rated Colombian prospect, Cristian Orozco, marking the club’s latest strategic move to widen its scouting network following post-Brexit rules.
Orozco, a 17-year-old defensive midfielder who currently plays for Fortaleza CEIF, is viewed as an exciting, high-potential, long-term academy signing with the talent necessary to potentially reach the first team.
United has already reached a preliminary agreement with the Colombian club to secure his signature.
The official transfer cannot be completed immediately as Orozco must wait until he officially turns 18 years old. The deal is consequently expected to be formally finalised and confirmed during the summer transfer window in July.
The agreed-upon fee is a relatively modest one, reportedly worth around $1million (approximately £750,000), reflecting his status as a developing youth prospect.
The young star, who has already demonstrated strong leadership qualities by captaining the Colombian Under-17 national team, was scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom this week for a pre-move familiarisation trip.
This visit allows him to tour both the Carrington training complex and Old Trafford ahead of a smoother transition later this year.
Orozco marked the occasion on social media, posting a picture at the airport with scout Giuseppe Antonaccio, along with the caption: “With the great Giuseppe, on the way to a dream.”
His signing aligns with United’s strategy of focusing on top talents from continents outside of Europe, such as South America.