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Atlanta United permanently acquires Martinez

Josef Martinez.
Josef Martinez.
By
March 21, 2017

Josef Martinez’s loan from Torino to Atlanta United is now permanent.

The MLS expansion club announced the purchase of the 23-year-old forward from the Italian team Tuesday. Financial terms, including purchase price and contract were details, weren’t disclosed.

Martinez is the leading goal-scorer in MLS with five in three games, and Atlanta United leads the league with 11 goals in three games. Martinez currently is with the Venezuelan national team for two World Cup qualifying games.

“Josef has been a fantastic addition to our club and it’s clear he has the ability to continuing making an impact in our league,” club President Darren Eales said in a statement from the team.

Atlanta United will next play at Seattle on March 31.

Martinez made 58 appearances with seven goals for Torino since joining the team in 2014.

Martinez is one of several players on Atlanta United’s roster who are on loans. Others include Greg Garza (Tijuana in Mexico) and Yamil Asad (Sarsfield in Argentina).

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Doug Roberson covers the Atlanta United and Major League Soccer.

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