![\"Samuel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2271639825-scaled-e1784387355598-1024x682.jpg\")
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Mart\u00edn Fonseca\/Eurasia Sport Images\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
July 18, 2026 Updated 11:16 am EDT<\/p>\n
Liverpool are set to complete the signing of Colombia youth international Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional for around \u00a3750,000.<\/p>\n
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has travelled to Merseyside to complete the formalities but won\u2019t officially move to Liverpool until next summer.<\/p>\n
Martinez will remain at Atletico Nacional for the coming season with Liverpool having an input in his development over the next 12 months.<\/p>\n
He caught the eye of the club\u2019s recruitment staff with his outstanding performances for Colombia at the South American Under-17 Championship in April where they beat Argentina in the final. He\u2019s also set to feature at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar this November.<\/p>\n
Liverpool beat off competition from a number of European clubs to secure his signature with input from their long-serving head of South American scouting Fernando Troiani, head of academy recruitment Chris Dowling, and Liverpool\u2019s director of global talent Matt Newberry \u2014 who is responsible for deciding which youngsters from overseas should be targeted for a move when they turn 18.<\/p>\n
Back in January, Liverpool signed Senegal youth international defender Mor Talla Ndiaye<\/a> from Amitie FC for \u00a31million and fellow centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna for \u00a32.5m. Both are expected to be part of head coach Andoni Iraola\u2019s squad when Liverpool fly to the U.S. for the start of their two-week pre-season tour on Monday.<\/p>\n