Samuel Martinez Liverpool New Signing: Liverpool strike deal for South American wonderkid Samuel Martinez
Samuel Martinez Liverpool New Signing: Liverpool have done it again. Before the transfer window completely spins out of control, Anfield chiefs have quietly wrapped up a deal for the next big thing out of South America. According to reports from The Athletic via The Evening Standard, the Reds are putting the final touches on a £750,000 package for Atletico Nacional’s dazzling teenager, Samuel Martinez.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder is booked on a flight to Merseyside for his medical checks. Do not expect to see him in a red shirt just yet, though. He cannot officially sign on the dotted line until he turns 18 in April 2027. Because of that, he is heading straight back to Colombia on loan to get regular first-team minutes under his belt.
A proper talent was scouted
Martinez put his name on the map during the South American Under-17 Championship back in April. He played six games, absolutely pulling the strings in midfield. His crisp passing and uncanny ability to find pockets of space ripped defensive lines apart all through the tournament. The highlight? Inspiring Colombia to a historic win over Argentina in the final.
Next up is the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year. Martinez will lead his country there, and you can bet European scouts will be watching his every move. Liverpool just happened to get ahead of the queue. Fernando Troiani, the club’s long-serving head of South American scouting, worked alongside academy recruitment chief Chris Dowling and global talent director Matt Newberry to beat rival clubs to the punch. It fits right into the current philosophy under the new manager, Andoni Iraola. The club wants a massive stockpile of elite young talent. They are building a base for the future, ensuring the squad stays competitive both at home and in Europe.
This is not a one-off signing either. Look at the recent business. The recruitment team recently brought in Senegalese defender Mor Talla Ndiaye from Amitie FC for £1m. Before that, they spent £2.5m on Austrian centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna. Both teenagers are currently out in the United States, training with the senior squad on their pre-season tour.
Read: Liverpool in pole position to complete signing of £51m World Cup star
Scorzo’s take: Why the deal makes perfect sense
Snapping up an elite South American playmaker for less than a million pounds is brilliant business. Football prices are getting ridiculous. This protects the club against the inevitable market inflation that happens the moment a kid shines at a World Cup. Leaving him in Colombia for another year is the smart play. Rushing a teenager into the physical grind of English football rarely works out well. He gets to grow up in a familiar environment, playing proper senior football before he ever faces the pressure of Anfield. It shows a very clear, patient vision from the recruitment team. Liverpool fans should definitely keep a close eye on the upcoming tournament in Qatar. The kid looks like the real deal.