Liverpool are in the final stages of completing a move for highly-rated Colombian teenager Samuel Martinez. The Reds have agreed a fee of around £740,000 ($1m) with Atletico Nacional for the 17-year-old attacking midfielder, who was courted by a host of leading European clubs including Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.
Martinez arrived in England on Saturday afternoon to undergo medical tests before his transfer officially goes through. He is expected to sign a five-year contract, while it is expected Atletico Nacional will also receive a percentage of any future sale of the player.
Deal Structure and Loan Back
As part of the deal, Martinez will remain at the Colombian side for a further 12 months and will arrive during next summer's transfer window after turning 18 in April. Liverpool will have input about his development in the interim period, with the player expected to take part in the U17 World Cup later this year with Colombia drawn in the same group as Japan, Serbia and Honduras.
Martinez was part of the Colombia side that won the South American U17 Championships in April, claiming an assist in both the semi-final against Brazil and final win over Argentina.
Liverpool's Academy Reinforcements
Liverpool have been working hard to bolster their Academy options this year, with 18-year-old centre-backs Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye and 16-year-old defender Dara Jikiemi among those arriving. Jikiemi posted a farewell to former club Celtic at the weekend on social media, which said: "After more than a decade at Celtic, I have decided to leave the club. I want to thank my team-mates, the staff, and everyone at Celtic for their support and for playing such an important role in my development. I wish the club and everyone involved all the best for the future. Thank you."
