Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly keeping tabs on the progress of 15-year-old South American prodigy Johan Martinez at Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Johan Martinez has piqued the attention of Premier League bigwigs with his exploits for Independiente del Valle. Liverpool and Manchester City are among the prospective suitors closely monitoring the 15-year-old attacking sensation’s progress, with his playing style attracting comparisons to Ousmane Dembele.
Who is Johan Martinez?
Johan Martinez is the latest highly-rated prodigy to rise in prominence in his homeland. Ecuador has produced many highly-rated prospects in the last few years, with Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie, Willian Pacho, and Joel Ordonez seeing their stocks soar in recent seasons. Martinez has also made his mark in age-group football in the South American nation.
The 15-year-old has piqued the attention of talent-spotters and pundits with his playing style. Martinez is equally adept with both feet and can play across the frontline, with those abilities helping him draw comparisons to Paris Saint-Germain talisman Ousmane Dembele.
Meanwhile, Martinez’s exploits in age-group football in his homeland have captured the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Premier League bigwigs, in particular, are keen on signing the Ecuadorian wonderkid, with Liverpool and Manchester City among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Liverpool’s interest in Johan Martinez is understandable. While the Reds have not handed many highly-rated prospects regular game time in the last few seasons, Conor Bradley’s progress should give hope to Martinez. In addition, Liverpool will look for the next long-term solution on the flanks amid Mohamed Salah’s advancing years. Interestingly, Ousmane Dembele is also a target for the Merseyside outfit.
As for Manchester City, the Premier League champions have arguably the most impressive youth setup in England, and highly-rated prospects have received their opportunities under Pep Guardiola. So, it is hardly surprising that Martinez has emerged as a target for Manchester City.
However, Liverpool and Manchester City face stiff competition from Brighton & Hove Albion, and the Seagulls will be an attractive option for the 15-year-old Ecuadorian wonderkid. Meanwhile, the teenage sensation cannot move to England before turning 18, although clubs can seal an agreement over a future move.
