Atlanta United: Josef Martinez contract means so much more

Josef Martinez has signed a new five-year deal with Atlanta United. The long-term contract, though, means so much more than just the fact that he is staying.

Atlanta United are seemingly set to lose Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan creator has always pined after a move to Europe and Atlanta have always said that they would be happy to sell him on for the right price.

This was a part of their business model, after all: to sign young South American talent, offer them a place to hone their skills and advertise their abilities, and then sell them to Europe, which is the dream destination for many of these young talents, for a handsome profit.

But one individual who was set to come through this assembly line is taking a different tack. Last season’s MLS single-season record goalscorer and league MVP, Josef Martinez, has signed a new, long-term contract with the Five Stripes.

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In the announcement that came on Wednesday night, Martinez said:

"“I came from a humble neighborhood, so one dollar more or less isn’t going to change who I am. I’m not worried about the money. If I was, I’d go play in China. That’s not why I chose here. It’s because of the affection and the care that everyone has shown me from both the club and the city. That’s what’s important.”"

Martinez has been a sensation since he arrived two years ago, scoring a staggering 51 goals in 54 regular-season matches. His speed, intelligence of movement, and calm, composed, clinical finishing have been a revelation. He was immediately one of the best players in MLS when he arrived and has only built on that pedigree since.

And now, unlike his mate Almiron, he has tied his long-term future to the Five Stripes. This is obviously excellent news for Atlanta United. Any team wants to keep their best players, and Martinez is undoubtedly one of Atlanta’s best players. But there are more benefits to handing Martinez a boat load of cash than just ensuring that he continues to play at Mercedes Benz Stadium for a couple more years.

Although Martinez stated that he loves Atlanta dearly, has a special connection with the club and the fans, and is not bothered by chasing the dollar in China, at 25, his shot at a career in Europe is far from over. Although he tried and failed once, if he wants another crack at the big-time, there will plenty of teams happy to give him one.

So if Martinez, like Almiron and plenty of other young South Americans, does want to challenge himself in Europe, Atlanta are protecting themselves from being handed a raw deal in the transfer market. With his future locked down, they can drive a hard bargain and get the best possible price, as they are currently doing with Almiron.

Martinez’s contract means so much more than just a secured future. It is a secured financial price also, further vindicating the league-revolutionising Atlanta business model.