Man United move closer to next Ruben Amorim transfer as fee agreed | Football | Sport

Manchester United have reportedly finalised the signing of 17-year-old Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco. The midfielder currently plays for Fortaleza CEIF and has captained Colombia’s Under-17 team.

It was previously reported that a preliminary agreement had been reached to sign the promising youngster, who is expected to make his move to Old Trafford when he turns 18 next year. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the deal, worth $1million (£741,000), has been sealed with all paperwork approved by United’s legal team.

Orozco, who has been identified as an exciting talent with first-team potential, will follow in the footsteps of Sekou Kone, who joined United from Malian club Guidars FC for around £1m in 2024 after impressing scouts at the Under-17 World Cup. Orozco’s strong performances at the recent Under-17 South American Championship have not gone unnoticed, and his signing aligns with United’s increased focus on academy signings due to Brexit-related regulations.

These regulations prevent the Red Devils from signing players from European clubs, leading them to scout talent from other continents. Earlier this year, United agreed a £3.3m deal, potentially rising to £7m with add-ons, with Cerro Porteno for the signing of Diego Leon.

Leon moved to Carrington in the summer and has made a positive impression on the coaching staff. Despite training with Ruben Amorim and the first team during pre-season, he is yet to make his debut.

Leon has played for the Under-21s this season, starting in the 2-1 win over Liverpool at the end of last month. He played 45 minutes and was replaced by James Scanlon at half-time.

Chido Obi is another young player that United poached. The highly-rated striker moved from Arsenal last year and has continued his fine goalscoring form.

The Dane hss scored 12 goals in 10 for the Under-18s and another five at Under-21s lead. Last season, Ruben Amorim handed him his senior debut and he has since made another seven appearances.

Chido Obi’s minutes in the first-team this season have been limited with the signing of Benjamin Sesko. However, the 17-year-old has scored three goals in five Premier League 2 appearances.

Sesko, meanwhile, has scored just one goal for United. The summer arrival netted in the 3-1 defeat to Brentford last weekend after a slow start to life at Old Trafford.