Liverpool are finalising a move for Colombian attacking midfielder Samuel Martinez, but they won’t be able to officially complete the transfer until 2027.
Martinez has been undergoing his medical over the weekend ahead of his £750,000 from Atletico Nacional, having flown in to agree a five-year contract.
This won’t actually come into effect until next summer, though, once he has turned 18 years old.
The youngster is still aged 17 and doesn’t turn 18 until April 5, 2027. As a result, he is not allowed to officially complete his move to Liverpool.
This is because article 19 of FIFA‘s regulations states: “International transfers of players are only permitted if the player is over the age of 18.”
There are exceptions to the rule – players can move between clubs within the European Union, for example – but this doesn’t apply to Martinez who is coming from Colombia.
This is also the reason why Liverpool had to wait until this summer to complete the signing of Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna, who agreed to his move in January.
As mentioned, Martinez turns 18 in April, but the Reds will have to wait until the transfer window opens to complete his signature.
Until then, he will continue playing at Atletico Nacional, with Liverpool given an input on his development in Medellin.
“Liverpool beat off competition from a number of European clubs to secure his signature,” reported the Athletic – Bayern Munich is rumoured to be one.
“He caught the eye of the club’s recruitment staff with his outstanding performances for Colombia at the South American Under-17 Championship in April where they beat Argentina in the final.”
The exciting attacking midfielder should also play at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar this November.
Who is Liverpool signing Samuel Martinez?
The tournament, which used to take place every two years, has now become an annual event, with FIFA awarding hosting duties to Qatar from 2025 until 2029.
FIFA’s motivation behind this change, especially given Qatar’s monopoly on the tournament, could be questioned. However, it will provide a good stage for Liverpool’s scouts to find potential top players.
Mor Talla Ndiaye was one such player discovered at the 2025 Under-17 World Cup, Liverpool scouts noticing him on the international stage while he was playing for Senegalese second division side Amitie FC.
Doha, Qatar. 27th Nov, 2025. Tomas Soares (L) of Portugal vies with Ifeanyi Arthur Ndukwe of Austria during the final match between Portugal and Austria at the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025 in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 27, 2025. Portugal won 1-0. Credit: Nikku/Xi
Doha, Qatar. 27th Nov, 2025. Tomas Soares (L) of Portugal vies with Ifeanyi Arthur Ndukwe of Austria during the final match between Portugal and Austria at the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025 in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 27, 2025. Portugal won 1-0. Credit: Nikku/Xi
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Manu Kone (France U21) (Image: Maurizio Borsari/AFLO/Alamy Live News)
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