Short answer: Based on recent reports, Samuel Martinez, a 17-year-old Colombian forward from Atlético Nacional, is widely reported to have a transfer agreement with Liverpool to join in 2027 once he turns 18, with an estimated fee around $1 million and a five-year contract. Several outlets claim Liverpool beat interest from Borussia Dortmund and others to secure the deal.
Context and key details:
- Source consensus: Multiple outlets in May 2026 reported that Liverpool had reached an agreement to sign Martinez from Atlético Nacional, with paperwork progressing and a move planned for when he becomes eligible in 2027. This crop of reports cites Fabrizio Romano and other journalists as the primary trackers of the deal.[1][2][3]
- Age and position: Martinez is described as a 17-year-old attacking midfielder/forward who has featured for Colombia at the U17 level. The transfer is framed as a long-term, development-focused signing rather than an immediate first-team arrival.[3][5][6]
- Financials and terms: The reported package is around $1 million, with a five-year contract and a sell-on clause for Atlético Nacional. Access to the exact terms varies by report, but the core elements align across outlets.[2][5][3]
- Competitors: Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, and other European clubs were linked with Martinez, but Liverpool reportedly won the race to secure the signature.[5][6][3]
Notes on reliability and timing:
- The coverage comes from transfer-insiders and specialist football sites; as with many teen prospects, some details (fees, structure) can vary between outlets and may be updated as negotiations progress.[1][3]
- Some pieces reference social media announcements or journalistic sources that aren’t official club statements; Liverpool FC’s own site had a generic headline about reaching an agreement, but the clarity of dates can differ across reports.[9]
Illustration of the situation:
- Diagram (verbal): Martinez → Atlético Nacional (seller) and Liverpool (buyer) with a five-year contract; move staged for 2027 when he turns 18; Atlético Nacional retains a sell-on percentage; Liverpool prioritizes youth development with a long-term plan.
Would you like a concise side-by-side table of the headline claims from each outlet, or a quick timeline of the reported events and quotes? I can also pull the latest official Liverpool FC statement if you want to verify the club’s position directly. This answer includes citations to the latest reporting I can access.[2][3][9]