Bayer Leverkusen were also in the running: Johan Martínez is moving to Newcastle

Done Deal in 2027 

Once again, a top European club has secured the services of an Ecuadorian talent at an early stage. And once again, he comes from the youth ranks of Independiente del Valle. Left-winger Johan Martínez (16) will join Newcastle United after his 18th birthday in the summer of 2027, following in the footsteps of twin brothers Edwin and Hólger Quintero (both 16), who will also be moving to England to join Arsenal at that time.

Martínez has not yet played a professional match and is currently competing for the title alongside the Quintero brothers at the South American U17 Championship. A place at the U17 World Cup is already secured. The attacking talent, who won the league title with Independiente’s U17s last year, impresses above all with his pace, his dribbling skills in one-on-one situations and his powerful left foot.

“We are delighted to have prevailed against strong competition from leading clubs across Europe and to have secured Johan’s signature for Newcastle United,” said Director of Football Ross Wilson. Among others, Bayer Leverkusen are also said to have been in the running for Martínez. “Identifying and signing promising young players is a key part of our long-term planning, and our scouting and transfer teams have worked tirelessly to secure Johan’s signature.”

Ecuador, and in particular the youth academy at Independiente del Valle, have increasingly come into the spotlight of Europe’s top clubs in recent years. From Kendry Páez (18) to Chelsea, via Justin Lerma (17) to Borussia Dortmund, right through to the Quintero brothers and Martínez: the country’s youth development work is bearing more and more fruit. With Moisés Caicedo (24, Chelsea), Willian Pacho (24, PSG) and Piero Hincapié (24, Arsenal), three Ecuadorians are among the 100 most valuable players in the world.

“Independiente del Valle has an excellent reputation for developing young players, and Johan has undoubtedly benefited from that environment,” Wilson added. “He will continue his development there, whilst we continue to monitor his progress closely. We look forward to welcoming him to Newcastle next year.”