Union Sign Defensive Midfielder José Andrés Martínez
On December 23rd, the Union announced that they signed defensive midfielder José “el Brujo” Andrés Martínez from Zulia FC in exchange for an undisclosed transfer fee.
This was the team’s first signing of the 2020 offseason as they look to strengthen their attacking style of play. The Venezuelan 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.
? NEW FIGHTER UNLOCKED ?
?? http://t.co/zGuBG44gZS#DOOP pic.twitter.com/JyVlemMrFv
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) December 23, 2019
In 65 appearances with Zulia FC, Martínez tallied two goals and logged four assists in 2018 and 2019. He also competed in the 2019 Copa Sudamericana where he assisted Zulia to reach the quarterfinals, the furthest a Venezuelan team has ever made it in the competition’s history. In addition to reaching the quarterfinals, Martínez was on the Zulia FC team that won the 2018 Copa Venezuela.
Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner spoke on behalf of the signing by stating, “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. We look forward to welcoming him to the team and an exciting 2020 season.”
Here are five quick facts on Philly’s latest addition, as one fact states that when he arrives in Philadelphia, the Union will be his first club outside of his home country of Venezuela.
Nicknamed “el Brujo” which translates to “The Wizard,” Martínez played for Deportivo JBL del Zulia from 2016-17, in his hometown of Maracaibo, Venezuela and received a Venezuelan National Team within the last year. Standing at 5’9″ and weighing in at 152 pounds, the 25-year-old will look to make an immediate impact in the midfield for the Union. Martínez’s hunger to succeed and drive to put in the dirty work will speak volumes to the fans of Philadelphia, based on their blue-collar label.
Takin’ a first look at our newest defensive midfielder ?
?? http://t.co/zGuBG3MFBi#DOOP pic.twitter.com/00enfuRIQc
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) December 23, 2019
The Union have confirmed that Martínez’s contract os for two years with an option for a third year. Although the Union did not disclose the fee for Martínez, Jonathan Tannenwald from The Inquirer announced that the transfer fee was reportedly worth $325,000 according to a source with knowledge of the deal. Martínez will most likely replace Haris Medunjanin’s role at the number six spot due to his aggressiveness and ability to pressure opponents. If Martínez filled the number six spot, this would give more freedom to Alejandro Bedoya and allow Brenden Aaronson to grow as an attacking midfielder.
Martínez has a defensive-minded style of play that will benefit the Union when starting the attack following a forced turnover in the midfield. The Venezuelan could also fill in a role at the flanker position with his speed and versatility down the wing. Martínez is known to be dominant in tight spaces, so with this in mind, it will open up the field for Union forwards and attackers. As a dynamic playmaker, Andrés Martínez will be able to impose his will and thrive with Philadelphia in the midfield once he gains confidence in his role and utilizes his talents to the best of his ability.
Union fans may not immediately see Martínez in the starting lineup at the start of the season due to the physicality and grind of the MLS. Once “el Brujo” finds his footing and adjusts to the league, the Union coaching staff will look to implement him into the lineup and showcase his bursts of energy and quickness.
In 2020 the Wizard will be looking to dominate in the midfield by being a pest and disrupting any attacking chance the opponent may earn, all while adjusting to the playing style of coach Jim Curtin and Ernst Tanner.
Welcome to Philadelphia, José!
Featured Image: Zulia FC
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