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Liverpool complete deal for midfielder wanted by European giants

Liverpool have confirmed a deal for Colombia U17 international Samuel Martinez

Samuel Martinez representing Colombia in an U17 World Cup qualifier against Argentina

Samuel Martinez representing Colombia in an U17 World Cup qualifier against Argentina(Image: Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

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Liverpool have completed a move for highly-rated Colombian teenager Samuel Martinez.

The Reds have agreed a fee of around £750,000 ($1m) with Atletico Nacional for the 17-year-old attacking midfielder, who was courted by a host of leading European clubs including Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.

Martinez underwent medical tests at the weekend on Merseyside before his transfer officially went through. He has signed a five-year contract, while as part of the deal Atletico Nacional will receive a percentage of any future sale of the player.

The youngster will remain at the Colombian side for a further 12 months and will arrive during next summer's transfer window after turning 18 in April.

Liverpool will have input about his development in the interim period, with the player expected to take part in the U17 World Cup later this year.

Martinez was part of the Colombia side that won the South American U17 Championships in April, claiming an assist in both the semi-final against Brazil and final win over Argentina.

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