Last week, reports emerged that Liverpool are close to signing Atletico Nacional youngster Samuel Martinez.
Colombian reporter Pipe Sierra was the first to break the news, before the likes of Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein issued follow-ups.
Sierra reported: “Samuel Martínez is just a few details away from becoming a new Liverpool player. They reached an agreement for him to become the new talent of the ‘Reds’ for 1M$ and sign for 5 years.
“They are advancing in the final documentation after outbidding other European giants The Colombian will stay at Atlético Nacional until he reaches the age of majority. The ‘verdolaga’ will retain % of future sale.”
? Exclusiva: Samuel Martínez (17) está a mínimos detalles de ser nuevo jugador del #Liverpool. Llegaron a un acuerdo para que se convierta en el nuevo talento de los ‘reds’ por 1M$ y firmar por 5 años. Avanzan en la documentación final tras superar a otros gigante de Europa ???… pic.twitter.com/EE5gfU86qR
— Pipe Sierra (@PSierraR) May 22, 2026
Latest news as Liverpool progress with plans to sign Martinez
Since the inital news broke, Fabrizio Romano has covered the story on his YouTube channel with additional details.
He said: “Samuel Martinez has agreed terms with Liverpool. He will join when he turns 18 in 2027.
“Borussia Dortmund were ready to make a deal happen with a big attack. There was also another European giant club – not from England, but another country – trying to enter the race for Martinez, considered a very interesting target, but Liverpool have an agreement with the boy.
“Liverpool have an agreement with Atletico Nacional. There will be also a small percentage of future sale that Liverpool have agreed in order to accelerate talks and close the deal as soon as possible, so Samuel Martinez to Liverpool is a ‘here we go’.”
Meanwhile, Florian Plettenberg reports that Martinez ‘to Liverpool is a done deal.’
He reports: “Next steps: visa process and trip to England for medical examinations. Afterwards, he will sign a five-year contract.
“The general plan – depending on wildcard regulations – is for him to join first-team pre-season from next summer onwards, with his first year planned between Liverpool U21 and the U19 Youth League.”
??? Samuel Martínez to Liverpool is a done deal, as reported. Next steps: visa process and trip to England for medical examinations. Afterwards, he will sign a five-year contract. #LFC
The general plan – depending on wildcard regulations – is for him to join first-team… pic.twitter.com/oiR1479pib
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 25, 2026
At the U17 CONMEBOL, Liverpool target Martinez averaged 7.23 successful dribbles per 90, highlighting his incredible ability on the ball. His overall dribble success rate was 62.5%. The teenager also averaged 3.25 progressive runs per 90.
Liverpool are acting swiftly to get this deal over the line and based on all the available evidence, it’s not hard to understand why.
