Overview

• Multiple outlets report Manchester United have a pre-contract with Fortaleza CEIF for 17-year-old Cristian Orozco, with the transfer to be registered when he turns 18 in July 2026 under FIFA rules.
• Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra reports a fee of about $1 million (£750,000), though the club has not confirmed the financial terms.
• United are expected to monitor Orozco over the coming season, complete medical checks next July, and then decide whether he joins the academy, remains at Fortaleza, or goes out on loan, potentially to an INEOS-linked club.
• Orozco is a defensive midfielder who captained Colombia’s U17s and featured in the team that reached the 2025 South American U-17 Championship final.
• The approach aligns with United’s recent South American scouting push under INEOS, following similar youth-focused deals such as Paraguayan defender Diego Leon.