Brentford have made the first formal move for Deportivo Cali midfielder Matías Orozco. The Premier League club is looking to get ahead of a growing queue for one of Colombia’s brightest young prospects.
Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra reports the Bees have already made a formal approach for the 18-year-old. Deportivo Cali are now assessing the situation carefully.
The Colombian side is expected to place significant weight on the sporting project presented to the player, not simply the financial package on offer.
Sierra adds that clubs from England, Spain and the Netherlands have also requested information on Orozco. So interest is building quickly around the young midfielder.
Deportivo Cali determined to keep youngster
There is, however, another side to the story. Another local journalist, Juan Esteban Osorio, reports there is currently no concrete negotiation despite the attention from Europe.
According to his information, Deportivo Cali’s preference is for Orozco to remain and continue developing as a part of their sporting project.
If a transfer eventually happens, it would only be through a permanent sale. A loan is not under consideration.
That suggests Brentford’s initial approach was just to establish contact. Seems they don’t want to accelerate towards an immediate agreement.
Early breakthrough has attracted attention
Matías Orozco has already established himself in Deportivo Cali’s first team. He has done this despite being only 18 years old.
He has made 14 senior appearances this season and scored twice, impressive numbers for a central midfielder still in the early stages of his career.
Breaking into Deportivo Cali’s first team at that age is no small achievement, particularly in central midfield, where tactical discipline and physical maturity are often demanded before youngsters receive regular opportunities.
The Colombian is regarded as a technically accomplished central midfielder with a rounded box-to-box game. He is comfortable in possession, presses aggressively, covers plenty of ground and has already shown maturity beyond his years.
Now with several clubs from England, Spain and the Netherlands also monitoring the teenager, the Bees have succeeded in making the first move.
However, Deportivo Cali’s stance suggests there will be no quick agreement unless the club are convinced both the financial package and the player’s pathway are right.
