Liverpool have moved to secure the services of Colombian attacking midfielder Samuel Martinez, with the 17-year-old travelling to Merseyside to undergo a medical as part of a transfer understood to be worth around £750,000. Club sources say Martinez will not officially join the Reds until he is eligible to move to England.
Structured deal to protect development
Under the terms agreed between Liverpool and Atletico Nacional, Martinez will remain with his current club for the coming season to continue his development in familiar surroundings. Liverpool will monitor his progress closely over the next 12 months, treating the move as a long-term investment rather than an immediate first-team recruitment.
The teenager rose to prominence during the South American Under-17 Championship, where he featured for Colombia and was notable during the final victory over Argentina. He is also expected to play for his country at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup later this year in Qatar.
Recruitment network behind the signing
The transfer is understood to have been driven by Liverpool’s scouting and recruitment apparatus in South America. Key figures involved include long-serving head of South American scouting Fernando Troiani, academy recruitment chief Chris Dowling and director of global talent Matt Newberry. The club’s approach reflects a continuing emphasis on identifying overseas prospects ahead of their 18th birthday, at which point they may formally move to England.
- Player: Samuel Martinez, 17-year-old attacking midfielder
- From: Atletico Nacional
- Reported fee: c. £750,000
- Immediate plan: Remain on loan at Atletico Nacional for the coming season
Context within Liverpool’s youth strategy
The capture of Martinez continues a pattern of investment in young talent. Earlier this year Liverpool completed signings of promising defenders, including Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, both secured with the club viewing them as future options within the squad. Those recruits — from Amitie FC and Austria Vienna respectively — were paid transfer sums reported in the seven-figure range and are expected to be involved in pre-season activities under new manager Andoni Iraola.
| Player | Position | Reported fee |
|---|---|---|
| Samuel Martinez | Attacking midfielder | c. £750,000 |
| Mor Talla Ndiaye | Defender | c. £1,000,000 |
| Ifeanyi Ndukwe | Centre-back | £2.5m |
The club’s policy of acquiring young international prospects reflects a long-term planning approach: players are identified early, tracked by the Liverpool recruitment network and integrated into the academy or gradual first-team pathway once they reach an appropriate age.
For local supporters, the deal represents another example of Liverpool seeking talent worldwide while balancing immediate squad needs with future potential. The coming season will be watched closely by Liverpool’s recruitment team as they monitor Martinez’s adaptation and progress from afar.
