Who is Samuel Martinez? Liverpool confirm signing of Colombian wonderkid
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Liverpool FC NewsTransfer NewsTransfersLiverpool has confirmed the signing of Colombian wonderkid Samuel Martinez as it continues to snap up some of the best talents from across the worldMartinez, 17, is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Colombian soccerLiverpool has completed the signing of Colombian wonderkid Samuel Martinez after beating off competition from clubs across Europe.The Reds have snapped up some of the best young talents in the world in recent years, with the likes of Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet linking up with Andoni Iraola's squad for next season.Martinez had been linked with a number of clubs but Liverpool has won the race, although he will not join his new teammates until 2027 due to FIFA rules. The 17-year-old playmaker will spend the next season at current club Atletico Nacional, with Liverpool paying around $1 million for his signature.Here, Liverpool.com tells you all you need to know about Martinez as he closes in on a move to Anfield, including who he plays for, what he's achieved so far, and what's being said about him.Who is Samuel Martinez?Martinez, who is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Colombian soccer, plays as an attacking midfielder for Atletico Nacional.The teenager has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Liga DIMAYOR - Colombia's top division - leaders, but has impressed in their youth system, where he currently plays for the U20 side.On the international stage, Martinez is a Colombian U-17 youth international and notably helped the team win the 2026 Under-17 South American Championship last month.Career so farWhile not much is known about Martinez's performances for Atletico Nacional's U20s, his performances for Colombia's U17s at the South American Championship are enough to get any Liverpool fan excited.The youngster actually made his international debut at the tournament, starting the Group A opener against Ecuador, playing 82 minutes before going on to feature in the next six games as Los Cafeteros made it all the way to the final, per Transfermarkt.Liverpool is said to be closing in on the signing of Colombia youth international Samuel MartinezIn the final group game against Paraguay, Martinez provided an assist to help his team to a 2-0 win, before doing the same in the semifinals against Brazil, a 3-0 victory, and the final against Argentina, a 4-0 victory.Liverpool has won the race for Martinez's signature ahead of other European giants, such as Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, while the likes of Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Benfica have all scouted the young playmaker too.This article was first published in May 2026.
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