Newcastle United
Newcastle United have already secured their next long-term project, with Johan Martínez set to join from Independiente del Valle once he turns 18.
The club are investing early in high-upside South American talent, aiming to develop rather than react late in the market. We covered the efforts made in that direction by the club in Brazil.
Martínez is only 16. However, his profile has already travelled far beyond Ecuador. Scouts across Europe have tracked him closely, including clubs such as FC Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen. So Newcastle have moved decisively.
Background and development
Johan Martínez was born in 2009 and has come through one of South America’s most productive academies. Independiente del Valle have built a reputation for producing elite-level players, including Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié and Willian Pacho.
That context matters. Newcastle United are not just signing a talented winger. They are tapping into a development pipeline that has consistently delivered players ready for Europe.
Martínez has already stood out within that system. He played a key role in the club’s U17 side, which won their category title. Within those age groups, he has been viewed as one of the standout attacking talents.
How Johan Martínez plays
Johan Martínez is a left-footed winger, but his versatility is one of his defining traits. He can operate on either flank, this will have helped attract Newcastle United.
When deployed on the right, he plays on his natural left foot. This allows him to cut inside, attack defenders directly and look for shots or final passes. When used on the left, he stays wider and looks to beat his man before delivering crosses.
His strongest attributes are clear:
1v1 ability: Martínez thrives in isolation. He takes on defenders repeatedly and with confidence. At youth level, he is often described as “unstoppable” in these situations.
Dribbling and close control: He keeps the ball tight to his feet at speed, which makes him difficult to dispossess.
Acceleration and pace: His first steps are explosive, giving him separation in short spaces.
Ambidexterity: Although naturally left-footed, he is comfortable using both feet, which increases his unpredictability.
There is also a playmaking edge to his game. For a 16-year-old, he already shows strong vision and a wide passing range.
Some observers have even drawn stylistic comparisons with Ousmane Dembélé. That comparison centres on his ability to use both feet, his directness, and his willingness to take risks in attacking areas.
It’s interesting and quite exciting to see him start and finish passages of play using only one feet, then going on another using only the other. It’s a rare skill, supported by pure talent and instinct.
Tactical profile and projection
Johan Martínez fits the modern winger profile Newcastle United have been leaning towards. He is dynamic, vertical and comfortable in transitional football.
He suits systems that:
prioritise quick attacks
isolate wingers against full-backs
demand width and direct running
At this stage, his game is naturally raw. Decision-making in the final third and consistency will need time. That is expected given his age.
However, the core tools are already there. Newcastle are effectively betting on his ceiling rather than his current output.
Next steps at Newcastle United
Johan Martínez will not arrive immediately. FIFA regulations mean he must wait until he turns 18 before moving to England. Therefore, Newcastle are planning ahead.
This deal is about timing. By acting now, Newcastle avoid a bidding war later. At the same time, they allow the player to continue developing in a familiar environment.
For Newcastle United, it is another sign of a broader recruitment strategy. They are not only targeting established names. They are also building a pipeline of elite young talent.
If Martínez progresses as expected, he could arrive in England already carrying significant hype. The club will then need to manage his integration carefully.
For now, though, the focus is clear. Newcastle have secured one of South America’s most exciting young wingers before the rest of the market fully catches up.