Liverpool has secured a transfer agreement for Colombian midfielder Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional, beating multiple top European clubs.
The 17-year-old creative player will sign a five-year contract with the Merseyside club, according to transfer expert Pipe Sierra and reports from ESPN.
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Liverpool will pay a transfer fee of 1 million euros, equivalent to 1 million dollars.
Martinez will officially join the Anfield academy when he turns 18 in April 2027.
Atletico Nacional will retain a percentage of any future sale of the young midfielder.
Martinez recently helped the Colombia Under-17 national team win the South American Championship.
He provided three key assists across six matches during the tournament, anchoring the midfield despite not scoring goals.
His performances attracted interest from elite clubs including Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur.
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Before the finalized deal with Liverpool, Martinez faced contractual vulnerabilities at his local club due to his amateur status.
European suitors had monitored his development closely, realizing they could acquire him by paying only standard training compensation fees before his professional debut.
During a period of heavy transfer speculation in May 2026, Martinez discussed his daily routine in an interview with ESPN Colombia.
He stated, "Me quedan un par de años" (I have a couple of years left).
Martinez is now scheduled to complete his visa processing before traveling to England for mandatory medical examinations.
The current developmental plan allows Martinez to gain professional experience in South America before moving abroad.
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He is projected to make his official first-team debut for Atletico Nacional during the second semester of 2026.
