Liverpool are gearing up for a crucial summer transfer window after a disappointing season under Arne Slott, with the Reds reportedly close to signing their first signing.
Liverpool head coach Arn Slott says the team will reach a transfer agreement (Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Liverpool have reportedly ‘reached an agreement’ with Colombian teenager Samuel Martinez on a five-year contract. Atlético Nacional are said to be ahead of other European giants in completing the final paperwork for their attacking midfielder.
Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra claimed that Martínez will remain at Nacional for the time being in order to develop. The deal is said to be worth $1 million (about £740,000), adding that Colombia will retain a portion of any future sale proceeds. The Mirror’s sister publication, the Liverpool Echo, reported that the Reds were in talks over a move.
Signing the young star, who has also been linked with Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, would be a coup for Liverpool. The 17-year-old has six caps for Colombia Under-17s, but has failed to score in any of his appearances so far.
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Martinez will arrive on Merseyside after turning 18, meaning he won’t be able to become a Reds player until 2027. Liverpool may need to rethink their transfer strategy this summer after a disappointing season under Arne Slott.
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Alexander Isak, Florian Wertz and Hugo Ekitike were among the high-profile players on Merseyside, following a summer of heavy investment at Anfield that resulted in a poor season for the Reds. However, injuries have also contributed to the difficulties, with Isaac and Ekitike both sidelined for long periods of time.
Liverpool have transformed from Premier League champions to a team struggling to qualify for the Champions League.
Slott’s side, currently in fifth place in the final qualification spots, could still be upset by Bournemouth to keep their hopes of a top-five finish alive after the Cherries drew 1-1 at home to Manchester City and ensure Arsenal follow Arne Slott’s side as champions.
Arne Slott is under huge pressure at Liverpool after a poor season (Image: DARREN STAPLES, AFP via Getty Images)
But Liverpool will need two notable results on Sunday’s final day to maintain their place at Europe’s top table.
Bournemouth need a win at Nottingham Forest and given the Reds’ current goal difference advantage, Liverpool are six goals clear in favor of the south coast side if they are to lose at home to Brentford.
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Brighton’s loss to Leeds United at the weekend left Bournemouth as the only team to qualify for the Champions League.
Liverpool could finish fourth if they beat Brentford and Aston Villa, who beat the Reds 4-2 last Friday, lose their final game at Man City.
And after Villa’s Europa League victory over Freiburg on Wednesday, the team that finishes sixth could qualify for the Champions League, which could currently be either Bournemouth or Brighton.
