Manchester United have reached a preliminary agreement to secure the services of talented young midfielder Cristian Orozco as part of their ongoing efforts to identify promising players worldwide. This acquisition of the 17-year-old marks the club’s second successful signing within a 24-hour period following a previous trial.
Hailing from Fortaleza CEIF, Orozco, who serves as the captain of Colombia’s Under-17 team, notably contributed to their journey to the final of the U17 South American Championship earlier this year. Regarded as a player with significant potential for the first team, Orozco is set to make the transition to Old Trafford once he reaches the age of 18 next year. Until then, he will continue representing Fortaleza CEIF until the official transfer is completed in July, according to reports from Manchester Evening News.
In a parallel development, Manchester United is also in advanced stages of finalizing a deal for another 17-year-old midfielder, the Senegalese talent Mouhamed Dabo. Dabo, who recently underwent a trial at Carrington, showcases his leadership skills as he previously captained the Senegal U17 national team. Impressively, Dabo has caught the eye of decision-makers at United during his time with the club, as reported by Africa Foot.
Currently affiliated with the Be Sport Academy, Dabo has drawn interest from FC Barcelona, although Manchester United appears poised to secure his services in the near future. The club’s recent emphasis on broadening its academy recruitment efforts is partially driven by Brexit regulations that restrict player transfers from European clubs. Earlier this year, United agreed to a transfer fee with Cerro Porteno to acquire Diego Leon, with the deal potentially reaching £7 million with add-ons.
United’s strategy of scouting and signing young talents from various academies has proven fruitful over the years. Notable examples include Alejandro Garnacho, who, after his stint with the club, moved on to Chelsea, generating substantial profit for Manchester United. Garnacho was initially acquired from Atletico Madrid at the age of 16 and made significant contributions during his time with the club.
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