Union transferring M Jose Martinez to club in Sao Paulo

Field Level Media|published: Mon 26th August, 16:12 2024

MLS: Leagues Cup-Quarterfinals-Mazatlan FC at Philadelphia Union

Aug 17, 2024; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Jose Martinez (8) scores during a penalty shoot out in a Leagues Cup quarterfinal match against Mazatlan FC at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Union are sending midfielder Jose Martinez to top-tier Brazilian club Corinthians Sao Paulo in a transfer agreement, the MLS club announced Monday.

Martinez has started 13 of 16 matches this season and has recorded one assist. The Venezuela native, 30, has played for the Union since 2020 and has three goals and 12 assists in 108 league matches (100 starts). He has one assist in 10 playoff matches (all starts) from 2020-23.

A 2023 MLS All-Star, Martinez also has 32 appearances for the Venezuelan national team.

"Jose has played an important role in the club's success over his five seasons with the Union," Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a statement. "He has steadily developed while with the Union, becoming incredibly dominant in the midfield and a key asset in the milestones the team has reached. We appreciate his dedication and passion to the team and city both on and off the field and wish him all the best in this next chapter."

The Union are 6-10-9 (27 points) this season and in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. Corinthians are in the midst of their Serie A season.

--Field Level Media