Atlanta United signs Josef Martinez as final Designated Player

Atlanta United added a third and final Designated Player to its roster ahead of the club’s inaugural 2017 MLS campaign, announcing Thursday the signing of Venezuelan forward Josef Martinez from Torino on loan with a purchase option.

Martinez joins Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almiron and Argentine winger Hector Villalba as Designated Players in Gerard Martino’s side, with the first-time MLS tactician largely opting to sign his stars from South America and build around their talents instead of looking to European markets.

But, with experience in Switzerland with Young Boys, FC Thun and three seasons with Torino to draw from, Martinez brings a bit of both to Atlanta.

“We’re excited to have acquired another player who’s entering the prime of his career and who has already experienced top competition in Europe and South America,” Atlanta United president Darren Eales said.

“Between Serie A, Europa League, and various international competitions with the Venezuelan National Team, Josef has already proven himself on some of the biggest stages in our sport and we’re confident in his ability to make a difference in MLS.”

The 23-year-old notched 13 goals and added six assists in his 76 appearances for the Turin-based side and says he is happy to be in Atlanta, calling the expansion club “a great project.”

“I was able to see the training ground and the stadium that the club is building, and I knew that coming to Atlanta was the best decision,” he said in a club-issued statement. “Also, there is a great coaching staff and remarkable young players. I can’t wait to start to work with my new teammates.”