Samuel Martinez will not join Liverpool for another year thanks to FIFA rule

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool FC NewsTransfer NewsLiverpool FCLiverpool has confirmed the signing of youngster Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional, but there will be a wait to see him involved for the Reds over the next yearSamuel Martinez has been announced as a new Liverpool player(Image: (Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images))Liverpool has announced the signing of Colombian youngster Samuel Martinez on a deal from Atletico Nacional, with the club unveiling him as an academy prospect for the future.The 17-year-old joins after being tipped as an exciting prospect for years to come, as reports claimed that Bayern Munich was among the teams eyeing a possible transfer this summer. The Reds have ultimately beaten them and several others to the wonderkid's signature, with the hope that he can fulfill his potential and become a key player for years to come.Martinez caught the eye back in April when he featured for the Colombia U17 team in the South American Championship, where he stood out among a field of talented youngsters.The playmaker featured six times for the national team, picking up three assists in that time on the way to an exit at the semifinal stage.While Martinez is still waiting for his opportunity at senior level, having largely competed in the U20s for Atletico Nacional, his displays have clearly prompted Liverpool to make a move to secure his services for the future.The completion of the transfer does not mean he will make his way to Merseyside any time soon, however, as there will be a wait to see him in the famous red jersey.FIFA's transfer rules state that players must be 18 or over to make such a huge transfer across nations, resulting in a wait for Martinez to turn that age before he can be considered a permanent Liverpool player.In the meantime, the youngster is set to return to Nacional, where he will continue his progress under the watchful eye of the Premier League outfit in the hope that he will develop even further by the time he moves to England.Samuel Martinez has impressed at youth level(Image: Getty Images)Martinez becomes the latest academy arrival for Liverpool as the club continues to ramp up the options available within the youth ranks to build for a sustainable future.This change in direction has been evident in recent years, most notably with Rio Ngumoha's transfer from Chelsea, which has already become something of a coup for the Reds as he continues to demonstrate his quality and potential for years to come.Other academy prospects such as Trey Nyoni and Jayden Danns will be part of a young core looking to make a similar impact over the coming seasons, if they are given an opportunity to shine within Andoni Iraola's team.Considering how many experienced stars have moved on in the past year, and others who are likely to follow them in the next year, it's clear that the key to success for Liverpool will come with a serious long-term rebuild.Martinez is one part of a huge plan to rebuild with the future in mind, with plenty of hope that he can fulfill his potential while playing for the Reds.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCAcademy