Liverpool have completed the signing of 17-year-old Colombian attacking midfielder Samuel Martínez from Atlético Nacional for around £750,000. Martínez has signed a five-year deal but will remain at Nacional for 12 months, arriving next summer after his 18th birthday, with Atlético Nacional entitled to a sell-on fee and Liverpool retaining influence over his development during the interim.
Liverpool confirm signing of Samuel Martínez
Liverpool have agreed a transfer for highly rated Colombian teenager Samuel Martínez from Atlético Nacional, securing a long-term contract while allowing the player to stay in Colombia for one more year.
The structured deal gives Liverpool time to oversee his development without forcing an immediate move to Europe.
Deal details: fee, contract and sell-on
The reported fee is around £750,000, with Martínez signing a five-year contract. Atlético Nacional will receive a percentage of any future sale, a common arrangement that reduces upfront cost while sharing potential upside. Liverpool retain formal input over Martínez’s development during the one-year loan-style period.
Why Liverpool are taking the delayed arrival approach
Keeping Martínez at Nacional until next summer lowers short-term integration risk and avoids work-permit complications before he turns 18. It also allows Liverpool to monitor his progress in competitive South American youth football and at international tournaments, then design a tailored pathway into the academy or U21 setup once he arrives.
International pedigree and recent form
Martínez was integral to Colombia’s U17 success, helping his country win the South American U17 Championship and providing assists in key knockout games against Brazil and Argentina. That tournament pedigree, plus reported interest from Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, underlines the technical and tactical promise Liverpool have invested in.
What this signing means for Liverpool’s recruitment strategy
This is a low-risk, high-upside acquisition that fits Liverpool’s increasing appetite for young, technically gifted players abroad. For a modest fee the club gains a creative midfielder who can be developed within Liverpool’s playing and coaching model. If progression matches potential, Martínez could offer depth to the attacking midfield pool or be a future first-team option.
Next steps and timeline
Martínez is expected to feature for Colombia at the U17 World Cup later this year, providing a barometer for his readiness.
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Liverpool will track his minutes and development closely over the coming 12 months before integrating him into their youth system next summer, at which point decisions on loans or academy progression will follow based on his adaptation and physical growth.
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