Liverpool have secured their third signing of the summer transfer window after agreeing a fee with Atletico Nacional for attacking midfielder Samuel Martinez, edging out Bayern Munich in the race for the 17-year-old's signature. The deal, worth approximately £740,000, includes an agreement for Martinez to remain with the Colombian club for an additional 12 months, with the player set to join Liverpool in the summer of 2027 following his 18th birthday in April.
Martinez deal details
According to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds have settled on the fee with Atletico Nacional, beating off competition from several European heavyweights including Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund. It has also emerged that Bayern Munich were serious contenders for Martinez's signature, with the German giants monitoring him for months and featuring him on their summer wishlist, as reported by TZ. Bayern scouts are believed to have compared Martinez's playing style to that of Brazilian legend Kaka, and they had an advantage in negotiations due to the player's representative, Daniel Neumuller, hailing from Bavaria. Nevertheless, Liverpool have triumphed in the battle, though supporters will need to wait a year before seeing him in action.
Ibrahim Mbaye transfer listed by PSG
Meanwhile, Liverpool have been alerted to the availability of Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, who has been placed on the transfer list. The Reds are known to be in the market for one or two wide players following Mohamed Salah's departure. Expectations of signing Diomande have diminished, with the Ivorian allegedly holding out for a move to PSG and willing to remain at RB Leipzig for another season. Consequently, Liverpool may pivot towards the 18-year-old Mbaye, regarded as one of Europe's most promising young prospects. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Senegal international will leave PSG this summer, with super-agent Jorge Mendes said to be 'in control of his future.' The report states that Premier League and Bundesliga clubs are waiting in the wings to capitalise on the situation. While competition will be fierce, Liverpool represent an appealing destination given the clear opening on the right wing.
Pre-season preparations
The World Cup is now over, and Liverpool can fully turn their attention to a pivotal pre-season as manager Andoni Iraola strives to restore the club's fortunes following a disappointing title defence under Arne Slot. Liverpool will face Sunderland in Nashville next weekend, with further friendly matches in the US against Wrexham and Leeds United to come before returning home to play Monaco and Como ahead of the Premier League opener against Newcastle on 23 August. So far this summer, two new faces have joined the ranks: Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes and Victor Munoz from Osasuna. With the World Cup now completed, full attention can be given to transfers as all the stars return home from North America.
