Philadelphia Union Sign Midfielder Jose Andres Martinez

December 23, 2019 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release

CHESTER, Pa. - Philadelphia Union announced today that they have signed defensive midfielder José "el Brujo" Andrés Martínez from Zulia FC in exchange for an undisclosed transfer fee. The 25-year-old will be added to the Union's active roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa and will occupy an international roster slot.

"We're excited to welcome 'el Brujo' to the Philadelphia Union. He is an up-and-coming player whose tenacity and athleticism will bolster our midfield going forward," said Ernst Tanner, Union Sporting Director. "We look forward to welcoming him to the team and an exciting 2020 season."

Assets for media use: Photos (please credit Zulia FC)

Martínez, nicknamed "el Brujo" which translates to "The Wizard", comes to Philadelphia from Venezuelan club Zulia FC where he scored two goals and had four assists across 65 appearances in 2018 and 2019. He competed in the 2019 Copa Sudamericana where he helped Zulia reach the quarterfinals, the furthest a Venezuelan team has ever made it in the competition's history. Additionally, he was on the Zulia FC team that won the 2018 Copa Venezuela.

Within the last year, Martínez has received a Venezuelan National Team call up. Prior to joining Zulia FC in 2018, Martínez played for Deportivo JBL del Zulia, from 2016-17, in his hometown of Maracaibo, Venezuela.

TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign defensive midfielder José "el Brujo" Andrés Martínez on December 23, 2019. He will be added to the active roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.

Name: José "el Brujo" Andrés Martínez

Position: Defensive Midfielder

Height: 5'9"

Weight:152

Born: Aug. 7, 1994

Hometown: Maracaibo, Venezuela

Citizenship: Venezuelan

Acquired: Philadelphia Union sign defensive midfielder José "el Brujo" Andrés Martínez on December 23, 2019.

Previous Experience: Zulia FC (2018-2019), Deportivo JBL del Zulia (2016-2017)

Major League Soccer Stories from December 23, 2019

• Sounders FC 2020 Preseason Opens January 14 at Starfire Sports - Seattle Sounders FC
• Inter Miami CF Acquires Denso Ulysse, Signs Homegrown Drake Callender - Inter Miami CF
• Orlando City SC Acquires Argentine Center Back Rodrigo Schlegel - Orlando City SC
• Philadelphia Union Announce 2020 Preseason Schedule - Philadelphia Union
• John Furlong Announces His Retirement from Whitecaps FC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
• New England Revolution Acquire Defender Samba Camara - New England Revolution
• Philadelphia Union Sign Midfielder Jose Andres Martinez - Philadelphia Union

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Philadelphia Union Stories

• Philadelphia Union Acquire $100,000 in General Allocation Money from San Diego FC
• Philadelphia Union to Host U.S. Women's National Team Match at Subaru Park on October 23
• Union secure 200th MLS win; Climb to top of Supporters' Shield Standings
• Philadelphia Union Draws Houston Dynamo FC, 1-1
• Philadelphia Union, WSFS Bank Celebrate Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of WSFS Bank Sportsplex