Liverpool reach agreement to sign Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional
Liverpool Secure Young Talent
Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional. The Colombia youth international, an attacking midfielder, is set to join the Reds’ Academy ahead of the 2027-28 season. The deal for Martinez was completed after a period of negotiation.
Martinez, who is 17, will remain with Atletico Nacional for the upcoming season, with Liverpool contributing to his development during this period. He is expected to officially move to Anfield next summer, having turned 18 in April. This arrangement means supporters will need to wait to see him in action for Liverpool.
The transfer fee for Martinez is reported to be around £740,000, according to one report, while another indicates it is approximately £750,000. This acquisition follows interest from several European clubs, including Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund. Bayern Munich was also a serious contender for Martinez’s signature, having monitored him for some time and included him on their summer shopping list.
Martinez’s International Performances
Martinez gained attention for his performances with Colombia at the U17 South American Championship in April, where his team emerged as winners. He featured in all six of his country’s matches during the tournament. His contributions included three assists, with one each in the 3-0 semi-final victory against Brazil and the 4-0 final win over Argentina.
His displays at the tournament caught the eye of Liverpool’s recruitment staff. He is also set to participate in the U17 World Cup in Qatar this November. Despite not yet making his first-team debut at club level, Liverpool hopes he will gain senior experience with Atletico Nacional during the coming season.
Academy Focus and Recent Signings
Liverpool’s pursuit of Martinez highlights their focus on securing young talent. The club’s long-serving head of South American scouting, Fernando Troiani, head of academy recruitment, Chris Dowling, and director of global talent, Matt Newberry, were involved in securing his signature. Newberry is responsible for identifying young overseas players for potential moves when they turn 18.
This summer has also seen other new signings join the club. Jeremy Jacquet arrived from Rennes, and Victor Munoz joined from Osasuna. Additionally, in January, Liverpool signed Senegal youth international defender Mor Talla Ndiaye from Amitie FC and centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna. Both Ndiaye and Ndukwe are expected to be part of head coach Andoni Iraola’s squad for the pre-season tour in the U.S., which begins on Monday.
The club is also reportedly on alert regarding Paris Saint-Germain’s Ibrahim Mbaye, who is said to be moving on. Liverpool is understood to be looking for wide players, and with prospects for landing Yan Diomande reportedly diminishing, Mbaye, an 18-year-old, could be a potential target. Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Mbaye will depart PSG this summer, with his future reportedly controlled by agent Jorge Mendes.
The Reds’ pre-season preparations are underway, with Andoni Iraola leading the team. Upcoming friendlies include matches against Sunderland in Nashville, followed by games against Wrexham and Leeds United. These will precede Anfield fixtures against Monaco and Como before the Premier League season commences at Newcastle on Sunday, August 23.
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Source: liverpoolfc.com
Reuben Castle is the Sports News Writer at News GB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from print into digital sport news. He holds a degree in Journalism from Coventry University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Coventry, he follows the Open Championship and amateur boxing. “Accuracy first; the analysis can follow.”
