By Tim Childers (@childers1788)

After his record-breaking 2018 season with Atlanta United, Josef Martinez has signed a five-year contract that will keep him in Atlanta through the 2023 season. While his love for the city could never be understated, it may come as a surprise to some fans due to the increasing interest from overseas. In his two seasons at Atlanta, he has managed to score a whopping 55 goals and 7 assists in only 61 appearances. He capped his wondrous start by breaking the MLS single-season goal-scoring record to go with winning League MVP and Golden Boot in 2018.

While his goal scoring record is huge, he means so much more to fans than that. As one of the core members of Atlanta’s inaugural squad, he represents continuity with players like Miguel Almiron and head coach Tata Martino on the way out. Martinez has the chance to not only become the greatest goal scorer MLS has seen, but to cement himself as a true titan for Atlanta United.

While there was definite interest from major European clubs, there is noticeably less pressure on Martinez to leave the MLS. There isn’t as much pressure on him due to the fact that he plays for Venezuela, and he is probably less than excited to go back after lackluster experiences with teams such as Torino and FC Thun.

Five more years of Martinez is a scary sight for any fans of opposing MLS clubs. Couple that with the yet to be announced arrival of forward Pity Martinez from River Plate and the event of Miguel Almiron staying for another season, and its bad news for the rest of the league. With their pool of young talent to go with their veteran leadership, Atlanta truly has a chance to create a dynasty. That’s a pretty impressive thing for a club that didn’t exist a few years ago.

While Martinez will probably not see out his full five-year contract in a Five Stripes uniform, He is creating a dynasty that will be hard for any player to best. Expect for downtown to be especially busy on matchdays for years to come.

All stats via transfermarkt.com