Colombian attacker midfielder Samuel Martinez is flying in for his medical with Liverpool ahead of a move in 2027, after a deal worth $1 million was agreed.
Martinez is en route to Merseyside to undergo a medical before finalising his transfer from Atletico Nacional, having already agreed terms on a five-year contract.
The 17-year-old is travelling along with his family and agent Daniel Neumuller, with Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra reporting on the upcoming deal on X.
Liverpool were first reported to be closing in on Martinez’s signing in May, after positive negotiations with the teenager’s club.
At the time, a deal worth in the region of $1 million (£740,000) was said to have been agreed, along with a sell-on clause which will protect Atletico Nacional in the event of a future sale.
Who is Liverpool signing Samuel Martinez?
Full Name: Samuel MartinezAge: 17 (April 5, 2009)Height: 6’0″ (184cm)Birthplace: Tulua, Colombia
Club: Atletico NacionalPosition: Attacking MidfielderFoot: RightTransfer Fee: $1m (£740k)
Martinez is not able to complete his switch to Liverpool until he turns 18 in April, which means he will not officially join until next summer.
But it continues a busy summer of business at academy level which is believed to also include the signings of centre-back Dara Jikiemi from Celtic and striker Michael Mulholland from Crusaders – the latter also in effect from 2027.
Liverpool fended off rival interest from a number of clubs including Dortmund and Barcelona to secure Martinez’s signature.
A tall, leggy attacking midfielder, Martinez caught attention with his performances on the way to Colombia’s triumph at the U-17 South American Championship in April.
That brought assists in three consecutive games, including semi-final and final victories over Brazil and Argentina respectively.
He can be expected to join Liverpool’s U18s ranks upon his eventual move to Merseyside but could be swiftly fast-tracked to the U21s squad.
Another player who is understood to be due to join the academy in the future is Senegalese winger Sidy Barhama Ndiaye, who already impressed on trial and is eligible to arrive from Diambars FC in January 2028.