Transfer Ticker: Unveiling the Game-Changing Moves in Major League Soccer
Contract Revolution: Philadelphia Union Secures José Martínez with Game-Changing Extension
Defending midfielder José Martnez, a Philadelphia Union fan favorite, has extended his contract through the 2025 MLS season with an option for 2026, the team announced Thursday.
The 28-year-old Venezuelan international, who had previously played for Zulia FC in his home country, first signed with Philadelphia before the 2020 season. Martnez has swiftly established himself as one of the premier No. 6s in the league, recording 12 assists in 87 games played throughout the regular season and Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. He is one of the toughest players in the league and goes as “El Brujo,” earning 31 yellow and two red cards in that time.
Martnez, whose interest in Europe has previously been suggested, assisted Philadelphia in capturing the 2020 MLS Supporters’ Shield. He had a significant role in the Union’s 2022 MLS Cup presented by Audi run and two separate trips to the Concacaf Champions League semifinals (2021, ’23). Martnez has 22 international caps for Venezuela. He frequently participated in World Cup qualifying and significantly impacted the 2021 Copa America.
Homebound Hero: Luis Amarilla Contemplates Ecuadorian Return from Minnesota United
Several reports concerning the great No. 9 of the Loons, striker Luis Amarilla of Minnesota United FC, have suggested that he may soon return to LDU Quito, Ecuador’s top division.
Bolavip’s story that the Loons are considering relocating Amarilla, who is presently occupying a designated player berth during his second stint with Minnesota, has been corroborated by Andy Greder of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Greder points out that other teams, especially those in Mexico, would be interested in the 27-year-old international from Paraguay.
Amarilla returned to Minnesota in 2022 from Argentine side Vélez Sarsfield and has scored twice in 12 games (seven starts) this season. Amarilla scored 15 goals in 31 games while on loan at LDU Quioto. Amarilla has 13 goals and six assists over 52 games (39 starts) for head coach Adrian Heath’s side. Amarilla is infamous for promising to score 25 goals during his first season in Minnesota (the 2020 season). He struggled with injuries when he entered the MLS and hasn’t scored more than ten goals in any of his two or more seasons with MNUFC.
Amarilla’s departure would open up a DP berth for Minnesota to consider during the Secondary Transfer Window, which runs from July 5 to August 2. Any departure would also occur when star playmaker Emanuel Reynoso, who was suspended by the league for missing the preseason, is expected to return after a three-month ban shortly. Mender Garca, who has two goals through 12 games (seven starts) this season, is also listed as Minnesota’s No. 9 depth player. Alongside Amarilla and Reynoso in the DP lineup, Garca gives roster flexibility due to his position and financial charge.
Minnesota has a 5W-5L-3D record and is positioned sixth in the Western Conference standings going into Matchday 15. While waiting for Reynoso’s season debut to spark an offense that has relied on U22 Initiative acquisitions Sang Bin Jeong and Bongokuhle Hlongwane, forwards Amarilla and Garca are only managing to score 0.92 goals per game.
