Liverpool confirm third signing of summer as Iraola rebuild continues

Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional.

The 17-year is an attacking midfielder from Colombia, and he was a star performer in the south American’s U17 Championship victory back in April this year.

He is set to join the Reds’ academy in 2027, and for the upcoming campaign, he will remain with Nacional.

Martinez follows the likes of fellow young stars Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe to Anfield, with the central defensive pair both agreeing moves to Merseyside in January.

The Reds are thought to have paid a reported £750,000 fee for Martinez’s services, and Andoni Iraola’s side will have control over his development as he spends the next 12 months back in Colombia.

It is believed that the Merseysiders beat numerous European clubs to the youngster’s signature,having first opened talks for him back in May.

He has not yet played a senior match for Nacional, but as he turns 18, he will be hopeful of breaking into the club’s first-team fold this term.

Martinez is set to feature for Colombia at the upcoming Under-17 World Cup, which takes palace in Qatar in November.

As for the two January arrivals - Ndiaye and Ndukwe - both have been included in Iraola’s squad for the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, which began yesterday.

The Reds are set to face Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds while they are Stateside, before returning home to Anfield for two final friendlies against Monaco and Como ahead of their Premier League opener, where they take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

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