Where could Josef Martínez play next year?
Atlanta United and the Venezuelan striker are set to part ways after a meeting with technical director Carlos Bocanegra.
Josef Martínez is no longer happy at Atlanta United and he is ready to part ways with the MLS side after a meeting with technical director Carlos Bocanegra. The 2018 Major League Soccer MVP winner could be a cheap option for FC Barcelona during the transfer window as he could arrive as a free agent at Camp Nou.
Martínez on the radar of several clubs
According to some sources, the La Liga side is interested in signing Josef Martínez if they are able to sell Memphis Depay in January. The 29-year-old returned to his peak form during the past two MLS campaigns after suffering a serious knee injury in 2020. Martínez scored 21 goals and provided five assists in the past two years, but Atlanta United has not been able to qualify to the playoffs during that time.
Not being a competitive team after winning the 2018 MLS Cup has Martínez frustrated with the decisions the people in charge have taken. The 29-year-old even got in a heated argument with first-year coach Gonzalo Pineda earlier this season and the club has decided not to extend his stay at the Mercedes-Benz stadium.
Martínez has a designated player contract that runs through the 2023 season, so in order for him to become a free agent, he needs to reach an agreement with Atlanta United first. The Five Stripes could end up buying the rest of his contract to let him go and the MLS side has been actively looking for his replacement during this off-season.