Overview

• United have reached a pre-contract agreement with Fortaleza CEIF for 17-year-old defensive midfielder Cristian Orozco, with the transfer to be completed after he turns 18 in July 2026.
• One report from Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra says the fee is about $1 million, though major outlets have focused on the agreement and timing rather than confirming the figure.
• Orozco is expected to begin in Manchester United’s academy, with the club set to monitor him through next summer and conduct medicals before finalizing his development plan.
• If coaches judge he is not ready to move to England immediately, United may leave him at Fortaleza or arrange a loan to an INEOS-affiliated club.
• The Colombia youth international captained the U-17s and helped them reach this year’s South American U-17 final, and his signing follows recent youth additions such as Diego Leon, Sekou Kone, Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi.