- Newcastle United provide official confirmation of transfer
- Johan Martinez latest wonderkid to emerge from Independiente del Valle
- Set to follow Chelsea star Moises Caicedo in making move to UK
Newcastle United confirmed the transfer signing of Ecuadorian winger Johan Martinez on Tuesday afternoon as the club looks to shift its strategy to investing for the future.
Fabrizio Romano had claimed that a deal was struck between the Magpies and Independiente del Valle last month and, in a statement, the Tyneside outfit confirmed that was the case this week.
Magpies fans will have to wait a little while longer to see the 16-year-old in action with Martinez only set to arrive at St James’ Park in the summer of 2027, once he has turned 18.
Newcastle United confirm signing of Johan Martinez
It’s not the first time Newcastle have struck such a deal. Georgian teenager Vakhtang Salia agreed a move from Dinamo Tbilisi in October 2024 but only made the move once he turned 18 last August.
The latest Magpies move comes off the back of the success of global talent scout Thomas Federspiel working in Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador in December.
It’s the first transfer struck by Ross Wilson at Newcastle United. The Sporting Director said: “We’re delighted to beat off serious competition from leading clubs across Europe to bring Johan to Newcastle United.
“Identifying and recruiting promising young players is a key part of how we build for the future, and our scouting and recruitment teams have worked diligently to secure Johan’s signature.
“Independiente del Valle have a strong reputation for developing young players and Johan has undoubtedly benefited from that environment. He will continue his progress there while we maintain a close connection with his development, and we look forward to welcoming him to Newcastle next year.”
Magpies look to replicate Moises Caicedo success
Martinez will make the move to the Premier League, following in the footsteps of Moises Caicedo. The Chelsea star first moved to Brighton from Independiente for £4 million in 2021.
Famously, the defensive midfielder was then sold for over £100 million to Stamford Bridge just two years later. The Magpies will no doubt be eyeing a similar success.
The winger is currently playing for Ecuador in the South American under-17 Championships as his progress in South America continues.
The Newcastle United statement read: “The 16-year-old will officially join the Magpies after his 18th birthday in the summer of 2027 and will remain with Independiente del Valle in the meantime.
“Johan was part of the Independiente del Valle youth team who won the Ecuadorian Under-17 title in December 2025.
“Internationally, he is currently starring for Ecuador in the South American Under-17 Championships and was on target in Sunday evening’s victory over Chile as they reached the semi-finals.”
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