Newcastle United supporters will have to wait until next summer to see one of their players after he officially joined the club earlier this year, but the Magpies have already given their future signing an early introduction to life at St James’ Park.
17-year-old Ecuadorian John Martinez agreed a move from Independiente del Valle earlier this year after Newcastle beat competition from several European clubs for his signature.
Although Martinez cannot officially join Newcastle until he turns 18 in May
2027 because of international transfer regulations, the club unexpectedly welcomed the teenager to Tyneside earlier this month.
Martinez visited St James’ Park over the weekend and was pictured inside the stadium holding a Newcastle shirt bearing his name, effectively giving the future Magpie an early presentation almost nine months before he can officially join the side for good.
Footy Condor on X described the visit as an official presentation of the Ecuadorian wonderkid.
“Johan Martínez has been officially presented at Newcastle United!” Footy Condor reported. “The highly-rated Ecuadorian talent has secured his move to the Premier League, but he will remain with Independiente del Valle before officially joining Newcastle in the summer of 2027, once he turns 18.”
Newcastle reportedly agreed to pay around £2.6 million (€3 million) for Martinez, who will continue his development in Ecuador during the next few months. The arrangement is similar to the one Newcastle previously used to secure Vakhtang Salia before he was old enough to move to England.
Martinez helped Independiente win Ecuador’s Under-17 title in December before representing his country at the South American Under-17 Championship, where he scored one goal, appearing in six games and averaging 46.5 minutes of playing time.
How excited are you about Martinez’s eventual arrival, and do you like Newcastle securing prospects this far in advance? Share your thoughts below!
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