Manchester United are set to formally announce the signing of Colombian wonderkid Cristian Orozco next week, with two other deals expected to be confirmed shortly after. The club is finalising moves for Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos and free-agent goalkeeper Karl Darlow, both of whom will be unveiled this month alongside Orozco.
Orozco joins from Fortaleza FC
Orozco, an 18-year-old defensive midfielder, will turn 18 on Monday, allowing United to officially register him. He has already arrived in England to acclimatise and has been given a tour of Carrington and Old Trafford, as well as training with the academy sides during a visit in December. He will initially join the Under-21s squad.
Orozco played a key role in helping Colombia reach the final of the U17 South American Championship last year, catching the attention of United's scouts. His profile is comparable to Sekou Kone, who joined the academy from Mali's Guidars FC for around £1 million in 2024 after impressing at the U17 World Cup.
Academy recruitment expands globally
United have broadened their academy recruitment network beyond Europe due to post-Brexit regulations that restrict signing European players. Orozco's standout performances in the South American Championship were instrumental in alerting the club to his talents.
Santos and Darlow bolster first team
Andrey Santos, 22, is set to cost United around £50 million as he joins from Chelsea, where he moved in January 2023. He is expected to strengthen the first-team midfield. Karl Darlow, 35, will join as a free agent after leaving Leeds United at the end of last month, providing backup to No.1 goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
