Josef Martínez signs for Inter Miami after Atlanta United contract buyout

Martínez, who won’t occupy a Designated Player spot due to the contract percentage Miami are responsible for, fills a key need after legendary Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuaín retired following the 2022 campaign. The Herons also return Ecuador international Leonardo Campana, their second-leading scorer from last year’s turnaround campaign.

Martínez, amid some player-coach controversies, became synonymous with greatness during his six seasons for Atlanta. He scored 103 goals and provided 17 assists over 144 combined regular season and Audi MLS Cup Playoffs matches – memorably bringing home MLS Cup 2018 alongside league-record outbound transfer Miguel Almiron, all in the Five Stripes’ second year of competition.

Martínez, known for his brashness and swagger, grew into a city-wide icon after signing with Atlanta in 2017 from Italian Serie A side Torino. He was under contract with Atlanta for 2023, complicating his ultimate exit to a fellow Eastern Conference foe.

“Josef is a champion and adding him to our group is exciting for us as we head into the 2023 season. He’s been one of the best players in the league since he first arrived and we believe he’ll make a difference here at Inter Miami,” IMCF chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said in a statement.

“We’re adding a proven goalscorer with a track record of success in MLS. We’re thrilled to have a player like Josef in our attack.”