Liverpool Beat 29 Other Clubs to South American Gem—but the Hard Work Begins Now

Every leading club is looking for the next superstar before they actually become one. Real Madrid did it with Vinícius Júnior, capturing the 16-year-old within two weeks of his senior Flamengo debut, and now Liverpool hope they have found a future gem in Samuel Martínez.

The 17-year-old Colombian was signed from Atlético Nacional in July but remains there until next summer due to FIFA rules not allowing minors to make international transfers. Martínez turns 18 in April 2027 and will officially join Liverpool on July 1 next year.

Martínez was a standout player at this year’s U-17 South American Championship in April, which brought him to the attention of most of Europe’s top teams—he was unknown outside Colombia’s youth soccer scene before that. Liverpool even referenced those performances, helping Colombia reach the semifinals, in their announcement statement.

Such tournaments are naturally going to be a scouting haven for the European elite.

Man Utd, Barcelona, Chelsea, Man City Rejected