Father says wonderkid has rejected Manchester United and Chelsea for Liverpool

Samuel Martínez’s father has said Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and several other clubs wanted him before the Liverpool deal. 

On July 21st, Liverpool confirmed a deal with Atlético Nacional for the 17-year-old to arrive at Anfield next summer. He won’t be able to physically move to the UK until he turns 18 years of age in April 2027.

Prior to the Reds’ agreement, multiple clubs made approaches for the youngster. This includes Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Watford from England.

30 clubs wanted incoming Liverpool player 

Gol Caracol interviewed Samuel Martínez’s parents, Jairo Martínez and Victoria Valencia, to discuss his agreement with Liverpool.

The attacking midfielder starred for Colombia at the U17 South American championship in April.

Los Cafeteros won the tournament in Paraguay, and the incoming Liverpool man managed three assists from six matches. This includes an assist in the semi-final against Brazil and in the final against Argentina.

His performances had attracted interest from several clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Watford. In May, we relayed news of Andoni Iraola’s side agreeing to pay around €890k.

Martínez’s father Jairo reveals the aforementioned four English clubs wanted to sign him.

“Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, Barcelona, ​​Watford, Udinese, Chelsea, Manchester United, among others, all wanted him,” he said.

His mother opened up about the hectic period and a unique experience before reaching an agreement with the Merseyside club.

“It was like a dream to experience that it wasn’t just Liverpool. There were 30 teams around the world, and we spent almost a month and a half without sleep. Everyone was calling, at all hours. We lived on European time for a month,” Valencia explained.

Youngster made decision to pick Liverpool

Samuel Martínez’s parents confirmed they held talks with Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and every other interested party.

The Colombia U17 international made the final decision to accept the Reds’ deal.

They added: “We had conversations with everyone, but Samuel made the decision. We can say whatever he wants, but we rely on what he wants, what he decides, what he feels comfortable with. And he felt a connection to go to Liverpool.”

Jairo says his son is already working on improving his English.

He said: “Samuel learned to read and write in English; he completed kindergarten, pre-kindergarten, first, and second grade in the United States. So, he already had a very strong foundation in the language. Now he has a personal tutor with whom he studies every day to make his English more fluent and eventually master it perfectly.”