Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign 17-year-old Colombian attacking midfielder Samuel Martinez from Atletico Nacional on a five-year contract.
The Reds are advancing with the final documentation to secure the highly-rated teenager ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
They have reportedly outbid European rivals including Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund to capture the prospect’s signature.
Developing talent in South America
Following the completion of the deal, the promising South American will remain with his current club to continue his professional development.
Atletico Nacional have also negotiated a structural clause ensuring they retain a percentage of any future transfer fee.
Securing the youngster’s services represents a significant long-term investment for the Merseyside outfit.
Adding depth to Arne Slot’s squad
The upcoming transfer window is viewed as a vital period for manager Arne Slot after a challenging domestic campaign.
Bringing in emerging global talent signals the club’s intent to rebuild and strengthen their attacking options for the future.
On the international stage, the versatile midfielder has already made six appearances for the Colombia Under-17 national team.
While he has yet to register a goal for his country, his technical attributes have drawn widespread attention from top European scouts.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has drawn criticism for appearing to aim a set-piece dig at Arsenal following their first Premier League title victory in 22 years.
The Gunners secured the championship after Manchester City dropped points against Bournemouth in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side will finally lift the trophy at Selhurst Park following their last match of the 2025-26 season against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Slot’s set-piece claim
During a pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s fixture with Brentford, the Dutchman congratulated the newly crowned champions.
However, the former Feyenoord boss also highlighted their reliance on dead-ball situations to achieve domestic success.
“Winning it here in England is never easy and they have done a tremendous job.”
“Forty per cent of their goals have come from set-pieces. Football has changed and evolved.”
Statistics refute manager’s comments
The 47-year-old’s remarks quickly generated debate across social media platforms.
CBS Sports football correspondent James Benge publicly challenged the statistics provided by the Merseyside boss.
Benge pointed out that the North London club has actually scored just under 35% of their league goals from set-pieces.
The journalist also calculated that the outgoing champions themselves have scored 28% of their goals from similar scenarios across all competitions.
Arsenal fans react to Liverpool deficit
Supporters of the capital club were quick to express their frustration at the perceived slight online.
Many fans pointed out the significant gap between the two clubs in the current league standings.
The Reds currently trail the new champions by 23 points after failing to mount a successful title defence.
Slot had previously guided his team to the Premier League crown during his debut campaign at Anfield last season.
Everton manager David Moyes has confirmed the club will assess their future plans for Manchester City loanee Jack Grealish as the winger continues his rehabilitation from a long-term foot injury on Merseyside.
The 30-year-old has been sidelined since mid-January after suffering a broken bone in his foot.
Unusually for a loanee, the England international is completing his medical treatment with the Toffees rather than returning to his parent club.
Moyes explained that summer transfer plans are being formulated, although financial constraints will dictate any permanent move.
Unorthodox rehabilitation process
“We’ve got a few plans in place,” Moyes said.
“Finances will obviously play a big part in it so we will need to navigate round the best we can.”
The Scottish manager praised the former Aston Villa captain’s recovery progress following positive updates from his surgeon.
“Obviously we like Jack a lot, we’ve looked after Jack all the time since his injury,” Moyes added.
“Normally a player would go back to his parent club and be looked after from there, but we will continue doing our best for Jack.”
From treble winner to Merseyside favourite
The £100m attacker played an integral role in securing a historic treble for Pep Guardiola’s side during the 2022-23 campaign.
Following a subsequent loss of consistent form at the Etihad Stadium, the creative midfielder secured a loan switch to Everton last summer.
He quickly established himself as a fan favourite before his premature January setback.
International blow and defensive reinforcements
This extended spell on the treatment table ultimately cost the forward a place in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad.
The national team manager opted for Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, and Eberechi Eze as his left-sided attacking options.
Away from the attacking department, Moyes also confirmed that Everton are close to finalising a contract extension for Ukrainian left-back Vitalii Mykolenko.
Everton manager David Moyes hopes his side can defeat Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday to secure a top-half finish and help former club West Ham United avoid Premier League relegation.
Spurs require just a single point on the final day of the season to guarantee their top-flight status.
Meanwhile, the east Londoners must secure a victory against Leeds United and rely on a favour from Merseyside to escape the drop.
Deep affection for former employers
The Scottish manager still holds a strong affinity for the Hammers following two managerial spells in the capital.
During his highly successful second tenure, he guided the club to Europa Conference League glory and secured a top-half domestic finish.
Many observers believe the London Stadium hierarchy erred in their decision to part ways with the 61-year-old tactician.
Subsequent league performances have steadily declined over the past two years, although the former Manchester United boss maintains he harbours no resentment.
Focus remains on Merseyside progression
Despite his lingering fondness for his old employers, the veteran coach remains entirely focused on concluding his own campaign successfully.
The Toffees have failed to achieve a top-half classification in the league for five consecutive seasons.
Only a victory in north London this weekend will be sufficient to end that barren run and match his previous achievements.
“I would love to keep West Ham in the league if I can do, but it is more important I get Everton that top-half finish.”
Alvaro Arbeloa will step down as Real Madrid head coach at the end of the season, clearing the path for the anticipated return of former manager Jose Mourinho.
The Spaniard announced on Friday that he will depart the 15-time European champions following a difficult, trophyless campaign.
He took charge in January after replacing compatriot Xabi Alonso, but failed to reverse the fortunes of the struggling club.
His final match in the dugout will be Saturday’s La Liga fixture against Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mourinho poised for Bernabeu comeback
Attention has immediately turned to a successor, with widespread reports indicating Mourinho has already agreed terms to take over.
The Portuguese tactician previously managed the Spanish giants between 2010 and 2013, famously securing the league title in 2012.
Since his first stint in the capital, the veteran coach has managed several high-profile teams including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Roma.
Most recently, he guided Benfica to an unbeaten league campaign, although the Lisbon outfit ultimately finished third behind Porto and Sporting.
A season of disappointment in Madrid
The incoming manager will inherit a squad that is guaranteed to finish without silverware for a second consecutive year.
They currently sit 11 points adrift of newly-crowned champions Barcelona with just one domestic fixture remaining.
European ambitions were also dashed at the quarter-final stage of the Champions League following a 6-4 aggregate defeat by Bayern Munich.
Domestic cup success proved equally elusive, as Arbeloa’s tenure began with a shock 3-2 Copa del Rey elimination against Albacete.
During his brief managerial spell, the former club defender oversaw 27 matches in all competitions, recording 17 victories alongside eight defeats.
Thomas Tuchel has added Alex Scott, Rio Ngumoha and Josh King to the England World Cup training camp in Miami to cover for players involved in European finals.
The youthful trio missed out on the final 26-man selection for this summer’s tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, they will travel to Florida on 1 June to participate in preparations and could feature in warm-up fixtures against New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Their inclusion provides crucial numerical support while several senior internationals complete their domestic campaigns.
Champions League finalists delay arrival
Four squad members are currently preparing for the Champions League final, including key midfield duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson is also delayed as he prepares for the upcoming Conference League final.
Brighton veteran Jason Steele remains on standby to act as a deputy for the shot-stopper if required.
Tuchel praises outstanding attitude
The national team manager confirmed the temporary additions during a press conference on Friday while hinting at a fourth unnamed arrival.
We will take some young players to train with us and keep the squad the size we need.
Alex Scott. Rio Ngumoha. Josh King. And there will be one more player we cannot name because it’s not confirmed yet.
The German coach reserved special praise for midfielder Scott, who was included in the preliminary 55-man shortlist but missed the final cut.
The former Chelsea boss praised the youngster’s willingness to join the preliminary camp despite that initial disappointment.
The reaction of him was outstanding, the wish to be in pre-camp and close to the team, it wasn’t even a question for him.
I’m glad he’s with us because it was a close call and he has a chance to get a first camp.
Road to the World Cup
The Three Lions will spend nearly two weeks acclimatising in Miami before transitioning to their official tournament base.
They are scheduled to relocate to Kansas on 13 June ahead of their opening group stage fixture.
Supporters will get their first glimpse of the expanded squad when they face New Zealand on 6 June.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is reportedly preparing to leave Anfield for Juventus this summer, potentially making his final appearance for the club against Brentford on Sunday.
The Reds host the Bees needing just a single point to secure Champions League football for next season.
This crucial fixture is already set to be an emotional occasion on Merseyside.
Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson have previously confirmed their intentions to depart the club at the end of the current campaign.
Agent accelerates Italian return
The 31-year-old shot-stopper remains under contract for another 12 months and is still widely considered the undisputed first choice.
However, reports from Italian publication Gazzetta suggest his representatives are accelerating exit talks with Juventus.
The former Roma man is understood to be keen on a return to Serie A regardless of whether the Turin giants qualify for Europe’s elite competition.
Injuries have disrupted the Brazilian international’s current campaign, restricting his playing time.
This allowed Giorgi Mamardashvili to step in and make 10 Premier League appearances during his absence.
Anfield legacy secured
Since arriving from the Italian capital for £66m in 2018, the South American has established himself as one of the finest goalkeepers in English football history.
He was drafted in following Loris Karius’ high-profile errors in the 2018 Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid.
During a trophy-laden six years in England, the formidable keeper helped secure two Premier League titles, alongside domestic cup and European successes.
His remarkable legacy includes a vital point-blank save against Napoli in 2018, which ensured progression from the Champions League group stage.
Fans will also fondly remember his stunning stoppage-time headed goal against West Bromwich Albion in 2021 that salvaged a vital top-four finish.
Future forward planning
As the era of several key stalwarts draws to a close, recruitment staff are already plotting attacking reinforcements.
RB Leipzig forward Antonio Nusa is reportedly a primary target for the upcoming transfer window.
The Anfield hierarchy may pursue the highly-rated winger if they are unable to secure a deal for Yan Diomande.
Arsenal winger Noni Madueke is set to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad for the upcoming World Cup in the United States after helping his club secure the Premier League title.
The official tournament selection will be unveiled by the national team manager on Friday.
It caps a remarkable domestic campaign for the former Chelsea forward, who lifted his first major silverware since moving across London last summer.
He could yet add a second prestigious medal to his collection when the Gunners face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final later this month.
Overcoming injury setbacks
The wide player has not been the central figure in Arsenal’s historic title-winning season, which ended a 22-year wait for domestic supremacy.
He managed seven goals and four assists across 41 appearances in all competitions.
However, his campaign was heavily disrupted by a significant knee injury that sidelined him for two months between September and November.
Despite these interruptions, his performances when fully fit have convinced Tuchel of his value on the international stage.
First major tournament
This call-up represents a significant milestone in his career, marking his first appearance at a major international tournament.
The attacker has accumulated 10 senior caps to date, registering three assists and scoring a solitary goal during a 5-0 victory over Serbia last September.
“I definitely have confidence going into every game that if I play well that I can be a real threat for the opposition and be decisive as well.”
He is expected to travel alongside club team-mates and regular internationals Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
High-profile omissions expected
While the Arsenal trio prepare for the United States, several established names are reportedly facing disappointment.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire represents the most surprising expected omission.
His club colleague Luke Shaw is also anticipated to be left out of the final travelling party.
Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, alongside Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, are similarly expected to miss out on selection.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of creative playmaker Eberechi Eze remains uncertain ahead of Friday’s announcement.