'Here we go' - Fabrizio Romano: Manchester United seal agreement to sign midfielder next year

Manchester United have reached a full agreement to sign Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco next year. It is understood United will pay Colombian club Fortaleza FC an initial $1 million (£740,000), with the teenager set to move to Manchester when he turns 18 in July 2026.

Orozco is the captain of his country at U17s level and has represented his country nine times at that age group, wearing the captain's armband in every appearance. The teenager shone at the South American U17 Championship earlier this year, helping Colombia reach the final, where they lost to Brazil in a penalty shootout.

He will have another shot at international glory later this year when Colombia participate in the U17 World Cup, with matches against Germany, North Korea and El Salvador in the group stage. Orozco only joined his current club Fortaleza, earlier in the summer when he left Rojo FC. It is understood that the agreement will see both of his former clubs benefit financially from the proposed deal to take him to Old Trafford.

Fabrizio Romano confirms Orozco agreement

Manchester World revealed last week United had reached a preliminary agreement to sign Orozco when he turns 18 next year, with a full agreement now believed to be in place between the two clubs. Taking to social media on Thursday morning, notorious transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano gave the deal his seal of approval with his famous 'here we go' catchphrase.

ian Orozco," he posted on his social platforms. "$1m transfer fee from Fortaleza in deal valid from summer 2026. "#MUFC lawyers approved all the contracts, deal coordinated by lead scout Antonaccio. Here we go."

Due to the fact he is still only 17, Orozco will not be able to complete a move to England until he turns 18 on 13 July next year. However, United were still be able to reach a pre-transfer agreement, just as they did when they signed Diego Leon from Cerro Porteño in the summer after they had agreed to sign him six months earlier.

It means the defensive midfielder will continue to feature for Fortaleza for the remainder of the season before he embarks on his new adventure next summer.

United's interest in Orozco comes at a time when they are aiming to become more proactive with their international scouting and explore untapped markets that represent better value for money. There is a hope that by acting quickly, United can secure potential future stars for much smaller fees than if they had to buy them from another European club further down the line.

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