Atlanta United fans will be seeing another South American, and former Serie A forward, Josef Martinez, in red and black for at least one season, as the Venezuelan will be the team's third Designated Player after being brought over on loan from Torino for the inaugural season. Atlanta United has an option to buy after the loan expires.
Welcome to Atlanta, @JosefMartinez17It's time to make history.#UniteAndConquer pic.twitter.com/0iKCDB1tdX— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) February 2, 2017
From the release: “Between Serie A, Europa League and various international competitions with the Venezuelan National Team, Josef has already proven himself on some of the biggest stages in our sport and we’re confident in his ability to make a difference in MLS.”
Martinez, 23, has appeared in first division matches across Venezuela, Switzerland and Italy more than 100 times, and been capped internationally 37 times, notching nine goals. The 5'7" speedster has the potential to fill the spaces created by the larger Kenwyne Jones nicely.