Cristian Orozco Manchester United deal confirmed as 17-year-old Colombian joins from Fortaleza CEIF, with arrival set for summer 2026

Cristian Orozco Manchester United deal has been finalised, with the 17-year-old Colombian midfielder set to join the Premier League side in the summer of 2026.

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Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Thursday that the Red Devils have signed the highly rated teenager from Fortaleza CEIF for a fee of $1 million.

The transfer will become official once Orozco turns 18.

“Manchester United have now sealed and signed a deal to bring in 17-year-old Colombian talent Cristian Orozco,” Romano posted on X, formerly Twitter. “$1m transfer fee from Fortaleza in a deal valid from summer 2026. #MUFC lawyers approved all the contracts, deal coordinated by lead scout Antonaccio.”

The move was orchestrated by United’s South American scout Gerardo Guzmán Antonaccio, who has been central to the club’s recent youth recruitment drive.

Cristian Orozco, a defensive midfielder by trade, currently captains Colombia’s Under-17 national team.

He rose to prominence after leading his side to the final of the South American U-17 Championship, impressing scouts with his leadership, physicality, and tactical awareness.

Already featuring in Colombia’s domestic league with Fortaleza CEIF, Orozco has been described by those close to the club as a tenacious and intelligent midfielder with a high ceiling.

His signing adds to Manchester United’s growing emphasis on securing global youth prospects, following recent deals for Sekou Kone and Chido Obi-Martin.

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Orozco is expected to link up with United’s youth setup in 2026, where he will continue his development at Carrington before pushing for senior involvement in the years ahead.