Liverpool FC have officially confirmed an agreement to sign 17-year-old Colombian prodigy Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional. The highly rated attacking midfielder has agreed to a five-year contract with the Reds after successfully undergoing his medical on Merseyside, in a deal worth around £750,000 ($1 million) alongside a sell-on clause retained by the Colombian side.
Due to FIFA regulations prohibiting international transfers for minors, MartÃnez will remain with Atlético Nacional for another year before officially relocating to England ahead of the 2027-28 season, following his 18th birthday in April 2027. Liverpool will maintain close input into his physical and tactical development during the interim period before integrating him into their Academy ranks.
The acquisition marks a major transfer coup for Liverpool, who successfully saw off competition from top European clubs including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund to land his signature. Martinnez generated heavy interest across Europe following his standout performances at the U17 South American Championship, where he helped lead Colombia to the title while registering key assists against both Brazil and Argentina in the knockout stages.
Equally comfortable operating as a classic central playmaker or drifting inside from the wing, Martinez is celebrated for his vision, silky footwork, and deceptive acceleration in tight spaces. His addition continues Liverpool’s recent strategic push to secure elite young talent from around the globe for their long-term academy pathway.
