Newcastle United are in discussions with Independiente del Valle over a deal for a 16-year-old phenom.
That kid would be winger Johan Martinez, according to Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, and Newcastle could have already won the race for his transfer.
Hope reports that the teenager is regarded as one of South America’s top emerging talents.
“Newcastle are in talks with Independiente del Valle over a deal for teenager Johan Martinez,” Hope wrote. “The Ecuadorian winger, 16, is rated as one of South America’s top talents and, if Newcastle do land his signature, he would only move to Tyneside ahead of the 2027-28 campaign, once he turns 18.”
Additional reporting from Chronicle Live’s Ross Gregory states that Newcastle appear to have beaten several European clubs to the youngster’s signature.
Gregory reported that Ecuador national team manager Sebastián Beccacece referenced Newcastle’s pursuit while discussing youth development recently.
“We have two 16-year-old twins who were bought by Arsenal, another who was bought by Chelsea, and there’s a player born in 2009 who is being pursued by Newcastle,” Beccacece said openly.
Martinez is described as a pacey winger capable of playing on either flank or centrally, and the truth is, I have to believe those reports because I don’t spend much time scouting Independiente del Valle players.
Interested clubs reportedly include the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Brighton, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen, so it’s fair to say the Magpies might be into something big here.
If terms are agreed for a transfer, however, Martinez would remain in Ecuador until turning 18, as rules mandate.