Brighton agree deal for Colombian wonderkid Matías Orozco

Brighton have reportedly agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old Deportivo Cali midfielder Matías Orozco, ending the mystery surrounding his expected move to the Premier League.

The highly-rated Colombian travelled to Europe on Tuesday night and is expected to arrive on Wednesday before completing the final stages of his transfer.

According to Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra, Brighton have reached an agreement with Deportivo Cali worth $4.8million (€4.1m, £3.6m) plus bonuses.

That fee will give the Seagulls 85% of Orozco’s rights, with Deportivo Cali retaining the remaining 15%.

The structure gives the Colombian club the opportunity to benefit financially from Orozco’s future development should Brighton eventually sell the midfielder for a considerably larger fee.

It also represents the type of transfer Brighton have become known for: identifying promising young talent early, developing them and potentially generating significant value in the future.

The transfer is now moving towards the formalities.

Orozco travelled to Europe alongside his agent Leonardo Daza, with visa procedures, medical examinations and the signing of his Brighton contract expected to follow.

The teenager was still playing for Deportivo Cali last weekend and admitted afterwards that he did not know whether it had been his final appearance for the club.

Only days later, his move to England is now close to completion.

Orozco had attracted attention from several English clubs before Brighton emerged as his destination.

Brentford, Leeds United and Liverpool had all been mentioned as potential suitors during the transfer process.

Brighton have ultimately moved ahead of that competition and secured an agreement with Deportivo Cali.

For an initial investment of only £3.6m plus bonuses, the Seagulls will hope they have secured another young player capable of developing significantly on the south coast.

Orozco is expected to arrive in Europe on Wednesday before completing the remaining formalities of his Brighton transfer.

Providing there are no problems with his medical or documentation, the 18-year-old should then sign his contract and be officially confirmed as a Brighton player.

Attention will then turn to Brighton’s development plan for Orozco and whether he immediately joins the first-team setup or is given time to adapt following his move from Colombian football.