Manchester United already have the signing of Cristian Orozco lined up for 2026, and he arrives in a similar manner to Sekou Kone.
Ineos’ recruitment policy has seen Manchester United pick up some true bargains in the form of superb young players across the globe.
Ayden Heaven cost just £1.5m, which now looks a complete bargain. Meanwhile, Sekou Kone cost United £1.25m in a deal which promises to be good value as he has often impressed while playing at the U21 level.
Kone really impressed during the post-season tour, with his intensity and ball carrying, catching the eye. However, as impressive as the Malian has been, he still has lots to work on, but Cristian Orozco might arrive at the club ready to play a part.
Cristian Orozco already has the physicality for Premier League football
Despite being a very talented footballer, it took Kone time to cope physically with English football, as his lightweight frame has seen muscle pile on over the past 12 months.
However, upon Orozco’s arrival at the club next summer, we cannot envision him facing the same issues.
This is after watching Orozco’s excellent Colombia U17 performance against Germany, in which he dominated the midfield physically, competing against players who are at some of the biggest German clubs, proving he is European football ready.
Orozco looked strong, tall, and quick, already possessing all the physical tools which is needed to thrive in the Premier League, which could make for a pretty quick integration into Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Amroim wants his midfielders to be athletic, physical and intense, all of which Orozco has in abundance.
In terms of his playing style, Orozco has been compared with Moises Caicedo, with United clearly keen not to miss out again after passing up on the Ecuadorian.
Orozco could have place in Manchester United first team next summer
The signing of Kone was one that everyone knew would take time. This might still be the case with Kone, only just returning from an orbital injury, which will likely see him have to build from the ground up.
However, if Orozco arrives ready to play, he could have a big role to play in pre-season with the future of United’s current four first-team midfielders all up in the air, including Kobbie Mainoo.
Due to this, Orozco has a golden chance to impress early and leave Amorim no choice but to factor him into his 2026/27 plans.
United think that Orozco is a ‘gem’ and his U17 World Cup performances will have the £750,000 fee looking cheap for Ineos. It will be a deal that ages well, as the Colombian really does have it all.
Very exciting.
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