Manchester United have completed their first summer transfer as Fabrizio Romano drops the exciting news.
Manchester United Secure Signing of Colombian Wonderkid Cristian Orozco
Despite investing over Β£200m last summer, Manchester United have endured a poor start to the season, losing three of their first six league games. Head coach Ruben Amorim is already under pressure as he approaches his first anniversary at Old Trafford.
While questions linger over Amorimβs future, United are pushing ahead with long-term planning by snapping up one of South Americaβs most promising youngsters. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news:
“Manchester United have completed the signing of 17-year-old Colombian talent Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza. The deal, worth around $1m, will take effect from summer 2026. Contracts have been approved by MUFC lawyers, with the move coordinated by lead scout Antonaccio. Here we go.”
The agreement ensures Orozco will officially join once he turns 18 next summer, making him eligible to move to England.
Who is Cristian Orozco?
Orozco is a defensive midfielder who plays for Fortaleza FC in Colombia, having joined earlier this year from Rojo FC. He captains Colombiaβs U17 side, where he has made nine appearances and stood out at the South American U17 Championship, helping his team reach the final before losing to Brazil on penalties.
At 5ft 8in (1.78m, 72kg), he is not the most physically dominant midfielder, but his technical quality has been widely praised. Despite his age, Orozco has been lauded for his composure, ball recovery, and ability to dictate tempo under pressure.
Football account @RisingStarXI described him as having βmaturity well beyond his years,β highlighting his skill at breaking up play and initiating attacks.
If his development continues as expected, United may have secured one of the brightest midfield prospects in South America.
Why Manchester United Have Moved for Cristian Orozco
Unitedβs decision to secure Cristian Orozco reflects INEOSβ wider strategy of investing in top young talent, both at home and abroad.
In 2024, the club snapped up two of Arsenalβs brightest academy prospects, Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven, with both teenagers already earning minutes for the senior side.
They also looked overseas, signing highly rated Malian midfielder Sekou KonΓ© after his impressive displays at the U-17 World Cup. Unfortunately, KonΓ© is currently sidelined after sustaining a serious head injury in August during a youth team National League Cup match against Tamworth.
By adding Orozco to their ranks, United continue to build a pipeline of elite prospects, aiming to secure the next generation of stars before they break through on the global stage.
