Liverpool are said to have agreed a deal for an up-and-coming superstar. The Reds have had a relatively quiet transfer window so far, snapping up Victor Muñoz in an early deal from Osasuna, while Jeremy Jacquet's arrival had already been agreed ahead of time, with the centre-back coming in to replace Ibrahima Konate.
Andoni Iraola will get money to spend this summer as he looks to put his own stamp on his new side, but it has been a slow process so far, not helped by the World Cup taking place this summer. But the signings will come, and Liverpool's next move is to continue their youth recruitment as they look to save big money on future transfers.
Liverpool agree deal to sign Colombian starlet
Samuel Martinez (1)
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have agreed a £750,000 deal to sign Colombian talent Samuel Martinez, who has already travelled to Merseyside to complete his medical. The deal is to be signed now, but Martinez will not actually join Liverpool until next summer, after he has turned 18 in the coming April.
That means he will stay with current club Atletico Nacional for now, where he has been representing the under-20s, but he could be in line for opportunities even further beyond his age group in the coming months.
Martinez, described as 'exceptional', dazzled as Colombia won the South American Under-17s Championship, and he will represent his nation at the FIFA Under-17s World Cup in Qatar later this year.
It's claimed a number of European clubs were interested in signing Martinez, but it is Liverpool who have won the race.
Liverpool continue youth recruitment charge
Anfield of Liverpool FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: A general view inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Anfield on April 14, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The signing of Martinez is yet another win for the Liverpool scouting department, who have been on the charge in recent weeks and months. Senegalese talent Mor Talla Ndiaye and Austrian youngster Ifeanyi Ndukwe were signed earlier this summer, and they will link up with the senior side for this summer's pre-season tour in the US. Further down in the age groups, the Reds also managed to sign Celtic talent Dara Jikiemi this summer, and there is a clear and conscious effort from the Reds to strengthen their youth groups. Liverpool have cast their nets worldwide in a bid to identify and sign some of the best talent.
Signing top players at a young age has become increasingly important in the wake of Profit and Sustainability rules, which limit clubs in their ability to repeatedly spend hundreds of millions over consecutive years.
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