STATUS TRANSFER TRACKER: Extension
The Philadelphia Union fan favorite is here to stay, with the club announcing Thursday that defensive midfielder José Martínez has signed a contract extension through the 2025 MLS season with an option in 2026.
The 28-year-old Venezuela international originally joined Philadelphia ahead of the 2020 campaign after playing for Zulia FC in his native country.
Martínez has quickly become one of the league’s top 6s, with 12 assists in 87 games spanning the regular season and Audi MLS Cup playoffs. Nicknamed ‘El Brujo’, he is one of the most physical players in the league and has received 31 yellow cards and two reds in the same season.
“José has consistently demonstrated his importance to this team, as his passion and performance have proven vital to the team’s success over the past few seasons,” Philadelphia athletic director Ernst Tanner said in a release.
“He is dominant in midfield and an important part of our transition in attack. We are pleased to have reached an agreement to extend his stay in Philadelphia.”
Martínez, who has previously been linked with interest in Europe, helped Philadelphia win the 2020 MLS Supporters’ Shield. He was instrumental in the union reaching the 2022 MLS Cup presented by Audi and contributed to two different Concacaf Champions League semi-finals (2021, ’23). .
Internationally, Martinez has made 22 appearances for Venezuela. He has been a regular in the World Cup qualifiers, as well as making many appearances at Copa América 2021.