Brighton it is. After days of mystery around Matías Orozco’s move to the Premier League, the Seagulls have finally been revealed as his destination.
Pipe Sierra reports Brighton have agreed a deal with Deportivo Cali for the 18-year-old midfielder. The Colombian travelled to Europe on Tuesday night and is expected to arrive on Wednesday to complete the move.
The agreement is worth $4.8m (€4.1m, £3.6m) plus bonuses for 85% of Orozco’s rights.
Brighton deal explains Deportivo Cali’s decision
Deportivo Cali could have pointed interested clubs towards Orozco’s release clause. Instead, Sierra previously explained they were negotiating a lower initial payment. That would allow them to retain a percentage of a future transaction.
We now have the exact numbers. Brighton will take 85%, leaving Deportivo Cali with the remaining 15%.
For Cali, that’s a bet on what Orozco could eventually become in England. Taking slightly less today could bring considerably more money later if Brighton develop and eventually sell him.
And, well, Brighton aren’t exactly strangers to that model. The Seagulls have repeatedly invested in young players with development and resale in mind. Orozco now becomes their latest bet.
Orozco travelling for medical and signing
This one is moving quickly to the formalities. Sierra says Orozco travelled alongside his agent, Leonardo Daza.
Once in Europe, the next steps will involve the visa process, medical examinations and the signing of his Brighton contract.
After playing for Deportivo Cali at the weekend, the teenager said he still didn’t know whether he had made his final appearance for the club. Two days later, his bags are packed.
In hindsight, even with Brentford, Leeds and Liverpool showing up as possible suitors, the profile of the operation fits Brighton quite nicely.
An 18-year-old South American talent, a relatively modest initial investment and a selling club retaining a percentage for the future. Orozco is expected in Europe today, and Brighton should soon have their man.
