Liverpool has become a top destination for emerging young talents from all over the world.

Rio Ngumoha is showing exactly what kind of pathway exists for the best young British prospects – set for a key role under Andoni Iraola next season aged only 17.

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As well as securing big-money deals for Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, the future of the backline has also been safeguarded by under-the-radar signings like Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe.

The process is not limited to defenders only, with Liverpool recruiters hard at work scouring the globe for the best young talent.

Liverpool to sign Samuel Martinez

Of course, overseas players are not permitted to officially sign for Liverpool until the age of 18, no matter what age they are identified. In the case of Samuel Martinez, for example, he will be joining the club once he turns 18 next year. The Colombian playmaker, 17, will make the move from Atletico Nacional in his homeland next summer – for an initial fee of around £750k.

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Martinez has been impressive at underage levels for his country, leading to Liverpool and other European clubs coming forward with their interest.

Martinez jets in for LFC medical

He jetted into England over the weekend to complete a medical and is expected to play a key first-team role for his original club before embarking on a Premier League adventure in 2027.

The news has been reported by TZ in the German media – where Bayern Munich were also thought to be in contention for Martinez’s signature.

The Bavarians have got the ideal mentor for the young schemer in Luis Diaz, who moved from Liverpool to FC Hollywood in 2025.

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Samuel Martinez: The new Kaka

But Bayern are now regretting missing out on Martinez, whose talents have been talked up in the TZ report. Indeed it goes as far as describing Martinez as “the new Kaka” owing to his particular footballing characteristics.

Liverpool, therefore, looks like they have signed an absolute gem – one of the best-rated young players on the South American continent. The 2024/25 Premier League champions have stolen a march on several top European rivals in order to land a deal.

Let’s hope he can go on to deliver – first for the youth and underage sides before making the step-up to the first team.