Liverpool agree Samuel Martinez deal and target PSG winger Ibrahim Mbaye
Liverpool have agreed a £740,000 deal to sign teenage midfielder Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional and are monitoring Paris St-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye.
The 17-year-old Colombian will remain in South America for another year before officially moving to Anfield next summer.
Manager Andoni Iraola is looking to bolster his squad following a difficult title defence last season.
The Merseyside club have already secured Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz during the current transfer window.
Beating European rivals to Martinez
Securing the Atletico Nacional prospect represents a significant coup for the six-time European champions.
The highly rated playmaker had attracted serious interest from Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
Scouts from the Bavarian giants had reportedly likened the youngster’s playing style to that of Brazilian legend Kaka.
However, the Premier League outfit successfully navigated negotiations to win the race for his signature.
Searching for Salah’s successor
With Mohamed Salah having departed the club, filling the void on the right flank remains a priority for the Reds.
Ivorian forward Yan Diomande was an initial target, but he is now expected to remain with RB Leipzig.
Attention has subsequently turned to 18-year-old Senegal international Mbaye.
Agent Jorge Mendes is overseeing the attacker’s future as he prepares to leave the French capital this summer.
Crucial pre-season preparations
Iraola’s squad will step up their fitness work next weekend when they face Sunderland in Nashville.
Further fixtures against Wrexham, Leeds United, Monaco and Como are scheduled before the domestic campaign begins.
Their Premier League season commences with a challenging trip to Newcastle United on 23 August.