Philadelphia Union Sign Midfielder Jose Martinez to New Contract
January 27, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release
CHESTER, Pa. - Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has signed midfielder Jose "el Brujo" Martinez to a new contract. Following his breakout 2020 season, where he proved vital to the club's run to their first-ever Supporters' Shield, the deal ensures that Martinez is under contract with the Union through the 2022 season, with club options for 2023 and 2024.
"Jose's passion and physicality gives us an extra edge every time he steps on the field," said Ernst Tanner, Union Sporting Director. "He has proven to be dominant in our midfield, vital in the transition on attack and we are looking forward to seeing his continued development and contributions."
Martinez, 26, signed with the Union ahead of the 2020 season and made 14 regular-season appearances, starting all 14. He made his debut for the club on March 8 in a 3-3 draw against LAFC and recorded two assists over the course of the season. One of his assists came in the Union's 2-0 victory against New England in their regular season finale that secured the Supporters' Shield for the Union.
Prior to joining the Union, Martinez played for the Venezuelan club, Zulia FC, where he scored two goals and added 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.
Internationally, Martinez most recently received a call up to the Venezuelan National Team last October ahead of a pair of FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign midfielder Jose Martinez to a new contract on January 27, 2021.
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