Liverpool move for Colombian wonderkid explained – What Reds are getting in U17 midfielder

Liverpool look set to land another highly-rated South American prospect. However, the excitement around Samuel Martínez in Colombia is about the type of midfielder he already looks capable of becoming.

Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra reports the Reds are only finalising the last details of an agreement with Atlético Nacional for the 17-year-old. The deal is expected to be worth around €890k (£740k). Martínez is set to sign a five-year contract once everything is completed.

The teenager is expected to remain at Atlético Nacional until turning 18, while the Colombian club will also keep a percentage of a future sale.

Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund had also been linked with the midfielder earlier this year, but Liverpool now appear to have won the race.

But why would that be a big deal?

Why Samuel Martínez is attracting attention

Samuel Martínez is hands down one of the most exciting young midfielders currently emerging from Colombia.

Heis as a box-to-box midfielder capable of influencing matches in several phases of the game. He combines South American technical quality with the physical intensity demanded in elite football.

One of the biggest compliments paid to him in Colombia is his ability to accelerate attacks through midfield. Rather than simply keeping possession moving sideways, Martínez regularly looks to break lines with aggressive forward passes.

He also appears comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and progressing play quickly.

He can operate in several midfield roles depending on the system. Martínez is capable of playing as a deeper organiser in a 4-3-3, but can also function higher up the pitch in a 4-2-3-1 as an interior midfielder arriving into attacking spaces.

Liverpool have spent years building midfields around intensity, tactical flexibility and aggressive transitions. Samuel Martínez already appears to tick many of those boxes despite being only 17 years old.

Colombia U17 role says a lot about his game

Earlier reports from Colombia also highlight the role Martínez played for the national team at youth level.

During the South American U17 Championship, he was reportedly viewed as the “compass” of the Colombia side because of the way he controlled the tempo of matches and dictated buildup play from midfield.

A lot of young midfielders stand out physically or technically at youth level. Martínez seems to be earning praise for decision-making, maturity and game management as well.

Scouts have reportedly followed him closely during international youth tournaments over the past year.

Football runs in the family – but he has built his own profile

Samuel Martínez also arrives with football already deeply rooted in his background. He is the son of former striker Jairo “El Indio” Martínez, a well-known figure in Colombian football. Jairo also played abroad during his career.

However, Colombian reports stress that Samuel has quickly stepped out of his father’s shadow. He has built his own identity as a midfielder.

The influence of his upbringing still matters, though. Marca Colombia claim people around the player often point to his professionalism and understanding of elite football environments from an unusually young age. He is also praised for his discipline off the pitch and strong focus on performance development.

There is also growing recognition of his leadership. Despite still being in the academy phase of his development, Martínez has already captained youth sides at Atlético Nacional.

Marca described him as one of the standout personalities in his generation.

Atlético Nacional development seen as another positive

Liverpool are also signing a player developed inside one of South America’s most respected academies.

Atlético Nacional have long been known for prioritising technical quality, tactical intelligence and strong decision-making in midfield players. Colombian reports say Martínez has benefited heavily from that environment.

That foundation may explain why he already looks comfortable adapting to different tactical demands. It also explains why Liverpool appear willing to move so early.

The Reds have become aggressive in South America in recent years. They prefer to identify elite prospects before they become financially inaccessible after a move to Europe.

For around €890k (£740k), Liverpool believe they may have secured one of South America’s standout midfield talents before the wider market fully caught up.

In Colombia, there is already growing belief Samuel Martínez could eventually arrive in Europe as more than just another promising youngster.

The feeling around him now is that he has the talent, mentality and tactical maturity to become a genuine top-level midfielder if his development continues in the same direction.