Teenage sensation Cristian Orozco has posted a heartfelt message before jetting off to the UK for a visit to Manchester United - describing the opportunity as a 'dream' come true. The Red Devilshave struck apreliminary deal to snap up the Colombian starletfrom Fortaleza CEIF, although the transfer cannot be officially completed until next year when he reaches 18.
Orozco will remain with Fortaleza CEIF until the switch can be rubber-stamped in July. However, the promising midfielder will make the trip to Manchester to get acquainted with his future surroundings and will be given tours of both Carrington and Old Trafford.
On Friday, Orozco posted on Instagram, sharing a snap at the airport with scout Giuseppe Antonaccio and the message: "With the great Giuseppe, on the way to a dream."
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United have broadened their youth recruitment strategy in recent years following post-Brexit rules, which limit clubs' ability to bring in players from Europe.
The deal to secure Orozco from Fortaleza is understood to be valued at approximately $1million (£750,000). Last summer, United brought in Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno in a transfer worth £3.3million, potentially rising to £7m with performance-related clauses.
Leon made a strong impression on coaching staff at Carrington and trained solely with the senior squad during pre-season preparations.
United's captures of Orozco and Leon follow co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's declaration that he prefers investing in emerging talent rather than splashing out on established stars. "I would rather sign the next Mbappe rather than spend a fortune buying success," the club's co-owner said.
"It's not that clever buying Mbappe. Anyone could figure that one out. More challenging is to find the next Mbappe or next Jude Bellingham or next Roy Keane.
"It's not where our focus is, the solution isn't spending a lot of money on a couple of great players. They have done that, if you look at the last ten years, they have spent a lot of money on a couple of great players.
"The first thing we need to do is get the right people in the right boxes who are managing and organising the club. And make sure we get recruitment right, it is such a vital part of football today."
United brought in five players during the summer window, with Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Senne Lammens and Diego Leon all arriving at Old Trafford. The summer spending spree set the club back £236m.
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