Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Colombian midfielder Cristian Camilo Orozco, with the 17-year-old expected to travel to Manchester this weekend to undergo medical examinations. The move, first reported by journalist Pipe Sierra, will officially go through next month when Orozco turns 18. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal had been sealed in October 2025, with a reported transfer fee of $1 million to Fortaleza.
The promising youngster currently plays for Academia Rojo FC, having progressed through their youth system after starting with ‘Club de Pies a Cabeza’. He has already made five first-team appearances for Fortaleza, demonstrating potential that has attracted the attention of United’s scouting network. Chief Scout Giuseppe Antonaccio has been heavily involved in coordinating the transfer.
United will reportedly assess Orozco upon his arrival before determining a development plan for the upcoming season, with a likely initial placement within the club’s under-21 setup. This signing signals a long-term investment in midfield talent for the Red Devils, complementing their pursuit of more established players.
While Orozco represents a future prospect, United are also actively pursuing West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes as a more immediate reinforcement for their midfield. However, they face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, with sources suggesting Tottenham may be in a stronger position to secure his signature. The outcome hinges on which club is willing to offer the highest fee to West Ham, as the London club are prepared to sell to the best bidder. Several other clubs, including Real Madrid and Liverpool, have also expressed interest in Fernandes, further complicating the situation. This dual pursuit highlights INEOS’ commitment to strengthening United’s midfield options this summer.
