Man Utd sign 'new Caicedo' as Colombia youngster joins to boost club's problem position

Manchester United have completed the signing of Colombian youth international Cristian Orozco, with the highly-rated midfielder set to officially arrive at Old Trafford in the summer of 2026.

The 17-year-old, who captains Colombia’s Under-17 side, joins from Fortaleza CEIF in his homeland for a reported fee in the region of $1 million.

Due to FIFA regulations preventing international transfers of minors, Orozco will remain with Fortaleza until his 18th birthday in July 2026, before linking up with United’s academy set-up.

Orozco has already built a reputation as one of Colombia’s brightest emerging talents. Operating primarily as a defensive midfielder, he is noted for his positional awareness, composure on the ball and maturity beyond his years.

He has represented Colombia at U17 level nine times, wearing the armband for his country in recent international fixtures.

Announcing the deal, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that all contracts had been signed and approved by United’s legal team, with the move led by South America scout Giuseppe Antonaccio.

The signing is seen as part of the club’s wider strategy under Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell to recruit elite young talent from across the globe, particularly in South America.

United sources believe Orozco fits the profile of a long-term midfield prospect who could eventually compete for a senior role.

With Casemiro entering the latter stages of his career, the club have been keen to strengthen their pipeline of midfielders which is currently a problem position for the team.

Some observers have already likened Orozco’s attributes to those of Moisés Caicedo, though United have stressed the teenager must be given time to develop at his own pace.

For now, Orozco’s focus will remain on continuing his education in Colombia, but the anticipation around his eventual arrival in Manchester is clear.

United have acted decisively to secure his signature, keen to avoid missing out as they did with Caicedo before his breakthrough in Europe.

Though fans will have to wait until 2026 to see him in red, Orozco’s signing is another signal of United’s long-term planning — and their determination to build for the future as well as the present.