Liverpool agree second signing after Jeremy Jacquet

News

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Liverpool have successfully beaten several European giants to the signing of Atletico Nacional wonderkid Samuel Martinez.

The Premier League season, a disappointing one for the Reds, is not quite yet in the books, with one huge game still to go. Liverpool can qualify for - or drop out of - the Champions League this Sunday when they host Brentford.

Because of the uncertainty over which competition the Anfield club will be in next season, there remains a sliver of doubt if current head coach Arne Slot will be able to retain his position. At the moment, though, all the signs suggest that the Dutchman will keep his job.

Planning for what is bound to be another huge summer is in full swing. One signing has already been wrapped up in the shape of highly-rated Stade Rennais defender Jeremy Jacquet, who is joining in a €63.6 million deal.

The Frenchman could potentially replace compatriot Ibrahima Konate, who has still not committed to a contract extension. Conflicting reporting on the status of negotiations means that supporters are in the dark as to whether the centre-back will stay.

Liverpool to sign Martinez

Liverpool's second signing is now also close to being wrapped up. According to Pipe Sierra and Fabrizio Romano, the Reds have reached an agreement to sign Atletico Nacional prospect Samuel Martinez.

However, the teenager will not be an immediate reinforcement. Due to his age, he will only be able to join the Anfield club next year after turning 18. Martinez, though, will be worth the wait.

The 17-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in South America. He has been starring for Colombia's U17s and was the subject of huge interest from various elite European sides.

Borussia Dortmund were strongly pushing to sign Martinez, but Liverpool have now won the battle for his signature. Atletico Nacional will receive a $1 million compensation fee and retain a sell-on percentage. Martinez is set to sign a five-year contract with Liverpool.

An attacking midfielder by trade, the youngster has yet to make his senior debut for Nacional, but his performances at the youth level suggest that it is only a matter of time before he breaks into the first team.

He was one of the standout players for Colombia during their successful U17 South American Championship campaign. Scouts from across Europe took note of him at the tournament, now culminating in his move to Merseyside.

Martinez has been preparing for an eventual transfer to Europe for some time. In April, he told ESPN Colombia: "Now I'm studying English because I think it's something very important that I have to learn.

"I study English every three days a week in the afternoons and that's it, the rest of the time I spend training and when I rest I watch movies, but otherwise I'm just another homebody."

Describing his style of play, the youngster, who idolises former Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, said: "I like to change the pace forward, always go forward, take on defenders. Sometimes I have to support, play a few touches, help out in defence, too, because it's not just about attacking.

"Now you have to defend as well. And that's what I enjoy most: getting the ball, taking on defenders and dribbling."