Liverpool signed 17-year-old Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional in the summer, beating Chelsea and Man Utd to the Colombian teenager who will join the Reds in 2027 – and he is already learning English
Liverpool pipped Manchester United, Chelsea and 27 other clubs to the capture of Samuel Martinez over the summer, according to his parents. The Reds secured a deal for the Colombian wonderkid in July, though he won’t rock up on Merseyside until next year.
The youngster was spoilt for choice regarding suitors, with Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund amongst those in the hunt, but Liverpool emerged victorious in the race with Atletico also banking a slice of any future sale. Four English clubs were keen on landing the attacking midfielder, with 30 teams in total said to be monitoring a potential swoop.
Martinez has already penned a five-year deal after Liverpool stumped up £750,000 to Atletico Nacional for his signature. The 17-year-old will remain with the Colombian outfit until the next summer transfer window, as he cannot officially join the Reds until he celebrates his 18th birthday in April.
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“Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, Barcelona, Watford, Udinese, Chelsea, Manchester United, among others, all wanted him,” Martinez’s father, Jairo, told Gol Caracol.
His mother, Victoria Valencia, added: “It was like a dream to experience that it wasn’t just Liverpool. There were 30 teams around the world, and we spent almost a month and a half without sleep. Everyone was calling, at all hours. We lived on European time for a month.”
Martinez’s parents revealed that their son felt a connection with Liverpool that swayed his decision. They added: “We had conversations with everyone, but Samuel made the decision.
“We can say whatever he wants, but we rely on what he wants, what he decides, what he feels comfortable with. And he felt a connection to go to Liverpool.”
With nearly a year to get ready for his worldwide switch, Martinez is brushing up on his English. He already possesses a solid grounding.
Jairo revealed: “Samuel learned to read and write in English; he completed kindergarten, pre-kindergarten, first, and second grade in the United States. So, he already had a very strong foundation in the language.
“Now he has a personal tutor with whom he studies every day to make his English more fluent and eventually master it perfectly.”