Manchester United Seal Deal To Sign Teenage Colombian Midfielder Cristian Orozco

Manchester United has finalized a deal to sign the 17-year-old Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF.

The agreement, confirmed by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, will see Orozco officially join the Red Devils in the summer of 2026 once he turns 18.

The club reportedly paid a transfer fee of around $1 million (approximately £740,000 or €850,000) for the young talent.

Cristian Orozco is a defensive midfielder known for his exceptional combination of physical strength and technical skills, an impressive trait for a player of his position and age.

He is currently captain of Colombia’s Under-17 national team and played a key role in leading his country to the final of the CONMEBOL Under-17 South American Championship last year, where Colombia narrowly lost to Brazil on penalties.

Orozco made a move earlier in 2025 from Rojo FC to Fortaleza, the club where he has been gaining attention from several European clubs.

However, Manchester United acted swiftly to secure his signature and avoid competition from clubs in France and Germany. The deal was coordinated by the club’s lead scout Gerardo Guzmán Antonaccio, who has been instrumental in identifying Orozco’s potential.

Though not physically imposing at 5 feet 8 inches, Orozco’s maturity, ability to break up play, and tempo control on the pitch have drawn comparisons to top midfielders like Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.

While he is unlikely to make an immediate impact in the first team, he is expected to spend time in Manchester United’s youth setup to acclimate to the English game and lifestyle.

This signing fits Manchester United’s current strategy under minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and ongoing leadership to focus on recruiting the best young talents globally to build a strong team for the future.

In summary, Manchester United securing Cristian Orozco marks a significant investment in promising South American midfield talent, with the club hopeful that he will develop into a key player in the coming years