Manchester City have reportedly negotiated a clause to one day sign Montevideo City Torque talent Renzo Orihuela, 18 months after the Premier League giants first locked eyes on the defender.
According to Uruguayan outlet Referi, City’s sister club in South America have a clause in Orihuela’s deal that allows Pep Guardiola’s side to sign the 20-year-old centre-back. The same publication reported in February 2020 that the Catalan manager was keen on Orihuela.
With the youngster establishing himself as a starter for Montevideo as well as an Uruguay youth international, it’s no wonder City now have a clause to sign Orihuela, should they wish. As per the report, the versatile defender originally moved for $8m (£5.9m) last year.
Moreover, Orihuela will be due to a bonus of around $5m if he does one day move to Manchester. With Guardiola’s side having similar clauses for other young players scattered around their network.
Indeed, such a clause is why City were able to bring Jack Harrison to England via New York City FC. Yet no player is yet to break through into the Premier League champions first-team squad.
Manchester City have used their vast selection of sister clubs to useful effect, though. With the biggest winner of the project so far being Yangel Herrera. Who has played for two CFG clubs and is currently with Granada for a second season on loan.
Orihuela clause shows City could have big plans in store
The odds, of course, remain slim that Orihuela is signed by City and goes on to have a big impact in the future for the English side. However, the fact the Manchester side have such a clause means that CFG rate the Uruguayan talent.
As a youth international for one of South America’s best nations, not to mention one that has produced some of football’s best defenders in recent years, Orihuela could well be the next to succeed the likes of Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez. And for City, this kind of talent is invaluable to have.
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