Manchester United Reportedly Agree Deal to Sign Colombia U17 Star Cristian Orozco
- Manchester United is reportedly closing in on the signing of a highly-rated Colombian teenager as part of their transfer rebuild
- The Red Devils continue to target some of the most gifted South American youngsters as part of their transfer vision
- News of the deal has already stirred excitement and debate among Manchester United fans
Manchester United is set to secure another bright prospect from South America, with reports indicating that Colombian youngster Cristian Orozco is on his way to the club.
The Red Devils have reportedly reached an understanding with Fortaleza CEIF, the player’s current team, as part of Ruben Amorim’s wider long-term squad development plans.
Source: Twitter
Manchester United set to capture Cristian Orozco
According to Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra, United have already struck a preliminary deal with Fortaleza, which will allow Orozco to officially join the Premier League side once he turns 18 in July next year.
The teenager would become the latest South American talent to be added to United’s youth setup, continuing the club’s recent strategy of investing in emerging players from the region.
At just 17, Orozco has already built a strong reputation on the international youth stage, even though he is yet to feature in Colombia’s domestic top division.
According to Transfermarkt, Orozco is naturally a defensive midfielder, but he has also drawn attention for his maturity, leadership and ability to break up play.
He captained Colombia’s U17 team to the final of the South American Championships, where his calmness under pressure and tenacity earned glowing reviews, as cited by Besoccer.
Man United's push for South American talents
Orozco’s deal follows a similar pattern to United’s recent move for Paraguayan defender Diego Leon, who joined from Cerro Porteño for around £3 million.
Leon, already capped at U20 level, trained with the first team during their U.S. pre-season tour and has been included in senior matchday squads this campaign.
United clearly view Orozco in the same category – a raw but up-and-coming prospect with the potential to develop into a first-team player in the years to come.
Fans to react to Orozco's potential EPL move
Meanwhile, news of Manchester United’s agreement to sign Cristian Orozco has sparked plenty of debate among supporters.
While some fans are buzzing about the club’s growing investment in young football talents, others are more cautious, pointing to the need for immediate first-team reinforcements.
@Ocrones said:
''After the World Cup, Lerma, Castaño, and Portilla can finally rest in peace. Because their replacements will be Cristian Orozco, Pedro Bravo, Solís, and Puerta; accompanied by Ríos and Deossa.''
@iamHatma commented:
''I send him a lot of strength in these tough moments that this young man is about to go through in that slaughterhouse.''
@CristianGrant3 reacted:
''That's good news... after he leaves Manchester United, he's going to be a candidate for the Ballon d'Or. Hahah.''
Source: Twitter
Kobbie Mainoo could join Barcelona
In an earlier update, YEN.com.gh reported that Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo had emerged as a surprising transfer target for Barcelona, with the Spanish giants closely.
The report suggested that Barcelona were weighing up a potential move for the highly-rated midfielder following the injury of Gavi, who is set to be out of action for up to five months.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
