Philadelphia Union Sign Midfielder José Andrés Martínez 25-year-old Defensive Midfielder joins Philadelphia from Venezuelan club Zulia FC

CHESTER, Pa. (Dec. 23, 2019) – Philadelphia Union announced today that they have signed defensive midfielder José “el Brujo” Andrés Martínez from Zulia FC in exchange for an undisclosed transfer fee. The 25-year-old will be added to the Union’s active roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa and will occupy an international roster slot.

“We’re excited to welcome ‘el Brujo’ to the Philadelphia Union. He is an up-and-coming player whose tenacity and athleticism will bolster our midfield going forward,” said Ernst Tanner, Union Sporting Director. “We look forward to welcoming him to the team and an exciting 2020 season.”

Martínez, nicknamed “el Brujo” which translates to “The Wizard”, comes to Philadelphia from Venezuelan club Zulia FC where he scored two goals and had four assists across 65 appearances in 2018 and 2019. He competed in the 2019 Copa Sudamericana where he helped Zulia reach the quarterfinals, the furthest a Venezuelan team has ever made it in the competition's history. Additionally, he was on the Zulia FC team that won the 2018 Copa Venezuela.

Within the last year, Martínez has received a Venezuelan National Team call up. Prior to joining Zulia FC in 2018, Martínez played for Deportivo JBL del Zulia, from 2016-17, in his hometown of Maracaibo, Venezuela.

TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign defensive midfielder José “el Brujo” Andrés Martínez on December 23, 2019. He will be added to the active roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.

Name: José “el Brujo” Andrés Martínez

Position: Defensive Midfielder Height: 5’9” Weight:152 Born: Aug. 7, 1994

Hometown: Maracaibo, Venezuela

Citizenship: Venezuelan

Acquired: Philadelphia Union sign defensive midfielder José “el Brujo” Andrés Martínez on December 23, 2019.

Previous Experience: Zulia FC (2018-2019), Deportivo JBL del Zulia (2016-2017)