Liverpool has finalized an agreement to acquire the sporting rights of Samuel Martinez, the 17-year-old midfielder who led the Colombian National Team to victory in the South American Under-17 Championship. The British club accelerated negotiations after the conclusion of the continental tournament in Paraguay to preempt the lingering interest from clubs such as Borussia Dortmund.
The deal with Colombian club Atletico Nacional was agreed upon for a fee close to one million dollars for the transfer of the midfielder. Due to FIFA regulations governing the international transfer of minors, Martinez will remain with his Medellin club until 2027.
🚨🇨🇴 Liverpool agree deal to sign Samuel MartĂnez from Atletico Nacional, here we go!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 22, 2026
Deal in place for 17 year old Colombian talent to join in 2027, as soon as he turns 18.#LFC anticipate Borussia Dortmund, as @PSierraR revealed. Agreement closed. pic.twitter.com/91Yg8pNDU1
Upon turning 18, he will relocate to England to sign a five-year contract. Atletico Nacional will retain a percentage of any future transfer fee for the player in the European market, ensuring a medium-term financial benefit for his development.
The continental showcase in Paraguay and the ticket to Qatar
The midfielder’s move to European football is a direct result of the Colombian U-17 National Team’s historic campaign in the South American Championship. Under the guidance of the national coaching staff, the Colombian team won its second continental title in this division (repeating the feat achieved in 1993) after an outstanding tournament in Luque.
The national team secured direct qualification for the World Cup following a 2–0 victory against the host nation, Paraguay, in a match heavily impacted by extreme weather.
Subsequently, the team displayed its best form in the knockout stages. Colombia defeated Brazil 3-0 in the semifinals and was crowned champion after a surprising 4-0 victory over Argentina in the final. This achievement not only returned the country to the top of South American youth football but also guaranteed its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
This youth tournament, in an expanded format of 48 teams, will be officially held from November 19 to December 13, 2026, in Qatar, using the modern Aspire Zone sports complex as its main venue.
British radar focuses on the Tricolor players
MartĂnez’s signing marks the beginning of a projected exodus to the British Isles, driven by the team’s collective performance in the tournament. On the attacking front, winger Jose Escorcia, also a key player for Atletico Nacional and the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, has a formal offer from Brighton. The South Coast Club is leading the race, although Crystal Palace is also in contact with the striker’s representatives.
In defense, 16-year-old center-back Alex Gomez, currently playing for the New York Red Bulls’ youth academy, has captured the attention of international scouts. The defender, a key player in the team’s solidity during the tournament, is being monitored by scouts from various European clubs who are evaluating his technical and physical development for future transfer windows. The performance of this generation at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar will dictate the pace of new offers in Europe.