Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union announced today that it has reached a transfer agreement with top-tier Brazilian professional sports club Corinthians for midfielder José Martínez.

"José has played a significant role in the club's success during his five seasons with the Union," said Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner. "He has consistently developed while with the Union, becoming incredibly dominant in the midfield and a key player in the milestones the team has achieved. We appreciate his dedication and passion for the team and city, both on and off the field, and wish him all the best in this next chapter."

Martínez has made 108 appearances (100 as a starter) for the Union in the league. He first debuted with the club in a match against LAFC on March 8, 2020, and scored his first goal for the club in Orlando City SC on June 21, 2023. The goal earned him fourth place in SportsCenter's Top 10. Martínez became the 11th player in club history to represent the Union when he was selected for the MLS All-Star Game 2023 in Washington D.C., where he started against Arsenal. Since joining Union, Martínez also became a mainstay of Venezuela's National Team, earning 32 international caps.

The Union initially acquired Martínez from Venezuelan club Zulia FC, where he scored two goals and provided four assists in 66 appearances and competed in Copa Sudamericana 2019, helping Zulia reach the quarterfinals.

Martínez will join Corinthians, which is currently mid-season in Serie A, ranking 17th on the table. Corinthians is one of Brazil's most successful football clubs, having won two FIFA Club World Cups, Copa Libertadores and Recopa Sudamericana titles, along with 30 state championships, seven Brasileirão titles, and three Copa do Brasil trophies.