Union sign José Andrés Martínez, Venezuelan defensive midfielder, to start offseason shopping

The Union unveiled their first new signing of the offseason on Monday, announcing the arrival of Venezuelan midfielder José Andrés Martínez.

A 25-year-old from Venezuelan club Zulia FC, Martínez is expected to bring versatility and defensive bite. He projects to fit at either the base of the Union’s four-man diamond midfield or one of the central positions.

“He is an up-and-coming player whose tenacity and athleticism will bolster our midfield going forward,” Union sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a statement.

A source with knowledge of the deal told The Inquirer that the Union paid a $325,000 transfer fee to acquire Martinez. The Union’s official announcement of the signing noted that a transfer fee was paid, but as with most deals around Major League Soccer, the sum wasn’t published.

Martínez signed a two-year contract with a team option for a third.

He stands 5-foot-9, weighs 152 pounds, and is nicknamed “El Brujo” — “the Wizard” in Spanish. Martínez played 38 times for Zulia in 2019, recording 4 assists, 1 goal, and 20 yellow cards.

Eight of his appearances came in the Copa Sudamericana, the second-tier South American club tournament (akin to UEFA’s Europa League). Zulia reached the quarterfinals this year, the deepest-ever run in the tournament by a Venezuelan team.

Martínez earned a call-up from Venezuela’s national team in September, though he didn’t play. He did, however, spend time with some players who know MLS: Real Salt Lake forward Jefferson Savarino; former Columbus Crew midfielder Bernardo Añor; and former Union forward Fernando Aristeguieta, who is now with Mexican club Morelia.

Here’s a highlights compilation that a training company Martínez works with put together: