Key Points
- Liverpool are reported to be close to an agreement to sign Samuel Martínez from Atlético Nacional when he turns 18.
- The move has been described as one Liverpool beat out rival interest from Barcelona and Tottenham for.
- Reports indicate the deal is close to being finalised, with only minor details left before completion.
- Martínez is being described as a promising Colombian attacking midfielder and one of the stronger young talents tracked by major European clubs.
- The transfer is being framed as part of Liverpool’s push to strengthen for the future rather than an immediate first-team signing.
Liverpool(Liverpool Standard)May 22, 2026 – Liverpool are said to have moved ahead of Barcelona and Tottenham in the race for Samuel Martínez, according to reports published on Thursday and Friday. As reported by the relevant outlets covering the story, Liverpool have reached an agreement in principle with Atlético Nacional and are waiting for Martínez to become eligible to complete the move. The deal has been presented as close to finalisation, with only minor details remaining before it is signed off.
What Is the Deal?
The reported agreement centres on Martínez joining Liverpool after turning 18, which is a common structure for clubs signing promising young players from abroad. The player is described as an attacking midfielder, and the move is being framed as a long-term investment in youth development. Reports also suggest Liverpool’s scouting network has tracked him for some time, with interest from other leading European clubs increasing pressure on the Merseyside side to act quickly.
Why Did Liverpool Move?
Liverpool’s interest appears to fit a wider pattern of targeting emerging international talent before their market value rises further. The reports suggest the club wanted to beat competition from Barcelona and Tottenham, which underlines how highly Martínez is rated by recruitment teams across Europe. In football transfer terms, this kind of deal can be important because it gives a club the chance to secure a player early, rather than entering a more expensive bidding race later.
Who Is Samuel Martínez?
Samuel Martínez is being described in the reports as a Colombian attacking midfielder from Atlético Nacional. The coverage does not provide a full public profile of his senior career, but it does present him as a highly regarded youth prospect with strong interest from major clubs. Atlético Nacional is one of Colombia’s best-known clubs and has a long record of developing players for both domestic football and the export market.
What Did the Reports Say?
According to the outlet that first covered the move, Liverpool are “just details away” from securing the player, with the language suggesting the deal is functionally agreed but not fully completed. Another report said Liverpool had reached a deal in place to bring Martínez to Anfield when he turns 18. A separate update repeated that Liverpool were finalising the agreement for their first summer signing, reinforcing the sense that the transfer is moving towards completion.
How Reliable Are The Claims?
The story appears across several outlets, which strengthens the impression that negotiations are advanced. However, the available reporting still describes the transfer as near-complete rather than officially confirmed by the clubs involved. That means the safest reading is that Liverpool are strongly positioned to sign Martínez, but the deal should still be treated as pending until formal confirmation is issued.
Background of This Development
Liverpool have increasingly looked for younger, high-upside signings in overseas markets as part of modern squad building. Clubs across Europe now compete aggressively for teenage talent, especially players who can be developed before becoming established first-team names. Atlético Nacional has historically been part of that talent pipeline, with its players often drawing attention from clubs in Europe.
Prediction
If completed, the move would likely be seen as a future-focused signing rather than one that changes Liverpool’s immediate starting XI. For Liverpool supporters, the key effect would be the club adding another promising young player to its long-term development pool. For Atlético Nacional, the reported deal would again underline the club’s role as a stepping stone to European football.
