Josef Martinez’s time with Atlanta United lastly seems to be coming to an finish.
The Venezuela worldwide is a legend for the 5 Stripes, arriving forward of their inaugural 2017 marketing campaign and occurring to attain a club-record 111 objectives in 158 video games throughout all competitions.
Martinez has received MLS Cup, US Open Cup, and Campeones Cup titles with Atlanta United, whereas he received the MLS MVP and Golden Boot awards in 2018. As such, he transcended the game to grow to be an iconic determine across the metropolis of Atlanta.
Nevertheless, the participant’s relationship with the membership has soured over the previous 18 months since his return from an ACL damage suffered early in 2020. Martinez has been concerned in a number of confrontations with head coach Gonzalo Pineda, together with flipping over a catering desk following a 2-1 loss to the Portland Timbers in September.
Martinez was handed a one-game suspension for his conduct, with Pineda revealing it wasn’t the primary time the striker’s habits had overstepped the mark.
As reported by The Athletic’s Felipe Cardenas, Martinez has been informed through a face-to-face assembly with Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra that he’s now not a part of the membership’s future.
The 5 Stripes have already begun looking for a DP (Designated Participant) striker, nevertheless, it is understood that the membership should first resolve Martinez’s contract, which runs by means of 2023. Per Cardenas’ report, the deal features a ‘no-trade’ clause, that means Martinez must give his approval to any deal that may finish his time in Atlanta earlier than the contract is concluded.
Following the information of his impending departure, stories shortly linked Martinez with MLS rivals Charlotte FC. Nevertheless, 90min sources have categorically dominated out CLTFC nonetheless holding an lively curiosity within the 29-year-old, with the membership already filling all three of their DP spots, together with with Poland worldwide striker Karol Swiderski.
That mentioned, 90min has been informed a number of different MLS golf equipment are contemplating making gives for Martinez, who would probably nonetheless command a Designated Participant contract however, given his success within the league, would certainly fill the goalscoring wants of many groups.
Even post-ACL damage, Martinez has nonetheless scored 21 objectives in 50 MLS appearances, solely 30 of which have come from the beginning. His most up-to-date and remaining strike for Atlanta United was a bicycle kick towards the New England Revolution that was named MLS Objective of the 12 months for 2022.
Poetry in movement 🎻😡
Girls and gentleman, we current the 2022 @MLS Objective of the 12 months: pic.twitter.com/WgRsp11EMA
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) October 21, 2022
Watch the story of Charlotte FC’s journey to MLS in 90min’s The Making of Charlotte FC, introduced by DoorDash, on 90min channels now. Subscribe to our new US YouTube channel.
