Who is Samuel Martinez? Liverpool’s newest Colombian gem who has broken Borussia Dortmund hearts
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Liverpool have started their summer transfer business early after advancing on a deal to sign Colombian starlet Samuel Martinez.The Reds have rarely foraged into South America to sign young talents, but have broken that trend to pluck Martinez ahead of his 18th birthday in 2027.As Liverpool fans flock to YouTube to get a glimpse of their new wonderkid, here is everything you need to know about a player who could become a real star of the future. Liverpool’s 25/26 Player of the Season: Ekitike vs Szoboszlai 👊 Credit: Shaun Brooks/CameraSport/MB Media/Getty Images Who does Samuel Martinez play for?It is not often that Liverpool scouts have their heads turned enough to sign a young player from abroad, and it is even more rare that they’ll buy one who is yet to make his first-team debut.However, that was the case with centre-backs Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye in January, and it is similarly true of Martinez.The 17-year-old plays for Colombian giants Atletico Nacional, but is yet to make his debut for the senior team.Instead, Martinez has been impressing for Colombia U17s, for whom he won the South American U17 Championship in April, which is where The Athletic claim he impressed Liverpool scouts.
According to Give Me Sport, the youngster displayed ‘strong technical quality, tactical intelligence and long-range shooting’ during the tournament, as well as showing off his dribbling skills.READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano confirms which winger Liverpool will target if Yan Diomande chooses to join PSGPhoto by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty ImagesWhat position does Martinez play?During the South American Championship, Martinez appears to have been deployed largely as an attacking midfielder for Colombia, and this seems to be his best position.Already standing over six feet, he is tall for a No. 10, but there have also been suggestions that Martinez can play deeper in midfield, as a No.
Gracious, elegant and skilful, Martinez looks a cut above many of his young peers.Who did Liverpool beat to sign him?When news broke of Liverpool’s capture of Martinez on Friday, it had been reported that the Reds had beaten a number of top European teams to the teenager, including Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.According to German journalist Patrick Berger, Dortmund were especially interested, with Liverpool snatching away a player they were really hoping to get their hands on. Martinez was one of BVB’s wish targets for next summer.”When will he turn 18?As Martinez is coming from outside of Britain, Liverpool will have to wait until he turns 18 before he arrives at Anfield.Unfortunately for those hoping to see him in action in the near future, they will have to wait almost one year for that to happen.Martinez only celebrated his 17th birthday on April 5th, meaning he will spend the next 12 months with Atletico Nacional.Hopefully some first-team appearances will follow, and Martinez can join Liverpool next summer ahead of the 2027/28 campaign ready to make an impact.