By Adenike Lawal
Manchester United have finalized the signing of Colombian midfield prospect Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF, with all paperwork for the transfer now complete.
Orozco, 17, who captains Colombia’s U-17 national team, will officially join United when he turns 18 next year due to FIFA’s international transfer regulations.
The deal, valued at about $1 million (£741,000), was confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The highly rated youngster is the latest in a series of youth-focused signings by the Red Devils, following acquisitions such as Mali’s Sekou Kone from Guidars FC and Diego Leon.
Orozco caught United’s eye with his commanding performances at the recent South American U-17 Championship.
Although unable to move to Manchester immediately, Orozco is regarded internally as a strong future first-team prospect.
His arrival underscores United’s growing strategy of investing in elite academy talent worldwide, a shift that has gained momentum in the post-Brexit era.
