Liverpool’s Next Star: Samuel Martínez | MLS News

Liverpool’s latest teenage coup: Samuel Martínez, a 17-year-old Colombian sensation, is set to join the Reds in July 2025 after turning 18 — and he’s already being compared to Kaká. Signed from Atlético Nacional in July, he’ll stay with them until next summer due to FIFA rules, but his dazzling U-17 South American Championship run made him a global target. Twenty-nine clubs, including Man United, Barcelona, City, and Chelsea, were reportedly turned down by his family — who say calls came in at all hours. Fluent in English thanks to childhood years in the U.S., Martínez hasn’t played a senior game yet, but his future looks bright — though history warns: young stars like Kendry Páez can stumble when moving to elite European clubs. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8796d0fc86d84988