PIty Martinez celebrates a goal against Nashville FC Aug. 22. (Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)
ATLANTA — The dismantling of Atlanta United continued Monday as the team transfered midfielder Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez to Al-Nassr FC of the Saudi Pro League for an undisclosed transfer fee, the MLS team announced.
According to Doug Roberson of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the sale was believed to have beeb between $18-20 million. If that was true, it would give United two of the highest outgoing sales in league history, Roberson reported. The first was Miguel Almiron to Newcastle United (England) in 2019 for $26.4 million.
The transaction opened a Designated Player spot and an international spot on the club’s roster.
“We want to thank Pity for his contributions to our club for the past two years,” United vice president and technical cirector Carlos Bocanegra said in a statement. “He will forever be a part of Atlanta United’s history after playing an integral part in our 2019 season in which we lifted two trophies. We’ll look to be diligent in our efforts to fill that roster spot during this window.”
Martínez joined the club Jan. 24, 2019 from Club Atlético River Plate of the Argentine Superleague. In his first full season, Martínez scored five goals and recorded nine assists in the league and was named a 2019 MLS all-star. He started all five matches in Atlanta’s run to the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title and scored two goals, including the game-winner in the final against Minnesota United as Atlanta United won 2-1.
He also started in Atlanta’s 3-2 win over Club América in the 2019 Campeones Cup as Atlanta became first MLS club to win the trophy.
This season, the midfielder scored four goals and recorded four assists in 10 appearances encompassing the MLS regular season and Concacaf Champions League.
During his Atlanta tenure, Martínez recorded 54 appearances, 11 goals and 16 assists across all competitions.
Atlanta (3-4-2, 11 points) returns to action against Inter Miami CF Wednesday at 8 p.m.
