Liverpool have reportedly secured the signing of highly rated Colombian teenager Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional in a deal worth around £750,000.
The 17-year-old midfielder is expected to officially join Liverpool next summer after turning 18. Until then, Martinez will remain with Atletico Nacional as he continues his development in Colombia.
The youngster has already attracted considerable attention because of his technical ability and potential. Martinez primarily operates as a No. 10 but can also play as a No. 8, giving him the flexibility to contribute in different midfield roles.
One of the biggest reasons for the excitement surrounding Martinez is the comparison being made with Brazilian legend Ricardo Kaka.
Juan Camilo Perez, Nacional’s head of scouting, has reportedly highlighted similarities between the teenager and Kaka, particularly in the way Martinez drives forward with the ball, understands the game and delivers passes with precision.
Perez also praised Martinez’s performances at youth level, describing him as the best player at the Under-17s.
Those comments have naturally created plenty of excitement among Liverpool supporters, although comparisons with a player of Kaka’s stature should be treated carefully. Kaka became one of the greatest attacking midfielders of his generation, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2007.
Martinez is still only 17 and has a long road ahead before he can be judged at the highest level.
However, his recognition among the world’s best young talents is another indication of his potential. The Guardian has included Martinez among its 60 best young players born in 2009.
Liverpool also reportedly faced strong competition for his signature.
Martinez’s father said that Manchester United, Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund had all shown interest in signing the youngster before Liverpool won the race.
That makes the reported £750,000 investment even more interesting.
Liverpool are essentially betting on the potential of a player who has already attracted attention from several major European clubs. If Martinez develops as expected, the deal could eventually prove to be a very smart piece of recruitment.
The immediate plan is for Martinez to remain at Atletico Nacional until he turns 18 before making the move to England.
That means Liverpool supporters will have to wait before seeing the young midfielder in a Reds shirt.
For now, the focus will be on his continued development in Colombia.
Liverpool have reportedly secured one of South America’s most promising young midfielders, and the next few years will determine whether the “Colombian Kaka” nickname becomes more than just an exciting comparison.
For a reported £750,000, Liverpool will certainly hope they have discovered another special talent before the rest of Europe gets the chance to see what he can become.
| Pos | Team | Pl | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester City | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | +8 | 15 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | +4 | 12 |
| 3 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | +11 | 10 |
| 4 | Brentford | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | +6 | 9 |
| 5 | Leeds United | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | +4 | 9 |
| 6 | Liverpool | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 9 |
| 7 | Everton | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 9 |
| 8 | Hull City | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | +2 | 8 |
| 9 | Newcastle United | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| 10 | Chelsea | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | -2 | 7 |
| 11 | Ipswich Town | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -4 | 6 |
| 12 | Manchester United | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| 13 | Nottingham Forest | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -1 | 5 |
| 14 | Sunderland | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -4 | 4 |
| 15 | Crystal Palace | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -5 | 4 |
| 16 | Aston Villa | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -5 | 4 |
| 17 | Bournemouth | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | -2 | 3 |
| 18 | Coventry City | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -9 | 3 |
| 19 | Fulham | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | -3 | 2 |
| 20 | Tottenham Hotspur | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | -6 | 2 |
