Inter Miami CF has signed Josef Martinez following his departure from Atlanta United, both clubs announced. This comes after the club decided to exercise its one off-season buyout of a guaranteed contract in an effort to free up salary space.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to represent Inter Miami and give the best of myself,” Martinez stated following the announcement. “This is a club with high aspirations and that aims to be amongst the best in the league. I hope to help the team achieve its objectives and leave my mark at the club.”
After signing for Atlanta in 2017, Martinez established himself as a club legend, scoring 19 goals in his debut season to win the MLS Golden Boot. After scoring a league record of 31 goals in 2018, Martinez was voted the league’s MVP.
Martinez continued his fine form in 2019, scoring 27 goals before suffering a torn ACL that ruled him out of the 2020 season entirely. Since his injury, Martinez has struggled to return to form, scoring 12 goals in 2021 and nine last year as Atlanta missed the playoffs.
Following Gonzalo Higuaín’s retirement at the end of last season, Martinez is expected to become Inter Miami’s new key striker.
