Manchester United are set to announce the signing of Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco, with the transfer to be formally completed next week. The 17-year-old has already arrived in England to acclimatise and will join the club's Under-21s squad.
Orozco to join Under-21s after 18th birthday
Orozco will celebrate his 18th birthday on Monday, July 14, 2026, at which point United can officially register him as a player. He has been in Manchester since December, when he toured Carrington and Old Trafford and participated in training sessions with the academy teams.
The defensive midfielder helped Colombia reach the final of the U17 South American Championship last year, catching the attention of United's scouts. His profile is similar to that of Sekou Kone, who joined United's academy from Malian club Guidars FC for around £1million in the 2024 summer transfer window.
United widen academy recruitment due to Brexit
United have expanded their academy recruitment network in recent years because of Brexit rules, which prevent them from signing players from Europe. Orozco's move reflects this strategy, as the club targets talent from South America and other regions.
The club is also close to finalising deals for Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow, both of whom are intended for the first team. Orozco, however, will initially play for the Under-21s as he settles in Manchester.
