Manchester United have officially confirmed the arrival of young Colombian midfielder Orozco, ending a pursuit of the player that stretched back more than a year. The 18-year-old joins from Fortaleza CEIF, one of Colombia's top-flight clubs, where he made five senior appearances last season after coming through the youth ranks at Rojo FC.
The transfer, reportedly worth around £750,000, was actually agreed twelve months ago, but United had to wait until Orozco turned 18 before the move could be finalized and he could relocate to England. He will now join the club's academy setup as his first step at Old Trafford.
Orozco has already earned recognition on the international stage at youth level, having represented Colombia's Under-17 side. His performances for Fortaleza and his growing reputation domestically caught the attention of United's recruitment staff, who moved to secure his signature well in advance of his birthday.
The midfielder previously spoke about his excitement at joining the Premier League giants during a visit to the club's Carrington training facility last year. Speaking to ESPN Colombia at the time, Orozco described the experience as the realization of a lifelong ambition.
"I visited the city and everything was very nice. I was able to see the stadium, the team's training ground and honestly I'm fulfilling a childhood dream. It was very nice," Orozco said.
Looking ahead to his new life in England, the teenager acknowledged that learning the language would be a priority as he looks to settle quickly into his new surroundings.
"My expectation from now on is to learn a lot of English. I realised that it's very important and I want to arrive there, learn and adapt as quickly as possible. That's what's required to show my level there, what I can offer," he explained.
Orozco also spoke confidently about the attributes he believes will help him succeed at United, pointing to his physical presence and technical ability as key strengths that could ease his transition into English football.
"I know my strengths are my physicality and my technique. I have those qualities and, with the gift God gave me, I don't think it will be too difficult," he said. "But everything is about adapting. I'm very young and that's what I'll need to do."
The deal represents United's latest investment in young international talent, as the club continues to scout emerging players from South America and beyond. Orozco's arrival adds another dimension to the club's academy ranks, with hopes that his physicality and technical grounding from his time in Colombian football can translate into a smooth integration at Carrington.
While specific pathways to the first team have not been outlined, the club's decision to secure the midfielder over a year in advance underscores the level of interest in his potential. For now, Orozco will focus on adapting to life in Manchester, improving his English, and continuing his development within the academy structure before any decisions are made regarding his progression toward senior football.
His journey from Rojo FC's academy to Fortaleza's first team, and now to one of the biggest clubs in world football, marks a significant rise for the young Colombian, who will be eager to prove himself as he begins this new chapter of his career in England.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.