Newcastle set to beat top clubs to signing of South American wonderkid Johan Martinez | OneFootball

Despite intense interest from several elite clubs across Europe, the Magpies appear to have won the race for his signature.

At just 16 years old, Martinez is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in South American football.

Martinez, who has previously been linked with Liverpool, possesses incredible pace and is able to play on both wings, but is also equally comfortable playing as a central striker.

(Photo via One Football)

The structure of the agreement mirrors the Vakhtang Salia transfer from last year, meaning the forward will remain with his current club until he officially joins Newcastle on his 18th birthday.

This move further highlights Newcastle’s ongoing strategy of identifying and recruiting world-class prospects long before they reach their peak value and is the first signing under Newcastle’s new South American scouting network.