Liverpool set to sign Colombian teenager Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional
Liverpool is closing in on a deal to sign Colombian midfielder Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional for a fee in the region of £750,000.
According to The Athletic, the 17-year-old has already travelled to Merseyside to finalise the paperwork, though he will not join Liverpool's ranks until next summer. He is set to spend the coming season back at Atletico Nacional, with Liverpool having input into his training and development during that period.
Martinez caught Liverpool's attention with his performances for Colombia at April's South American Under-17 Championship, where his side beat Argentina in the final. The move was driven by head of South American scouting Fernando Troiani, head of academy recruitment Chris Dowling, and director of global talent Matt Newberry.
It continues a pattern of early investment in young talent from Liverpool, who signed Senegalese defender Mor Talla Ndiaye from Amitie FC for £1m in January and centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna for £2.5m.
Head coach Andoni Iraola said the club's transfer business is not done for the summer despite already bringing in winger Víctor Munoz and defender Jeremy Jacquet. "We've signed two players already, but we need more, we know this," Iraola said. "As a coach, I selfishly want the players here from day one, but we know the market doesn't work like this. We are working incredibly hard for those signings."
