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The rumor finally became official yesterday when the Houston Dynamo announced they have signed Tomas Martinez as a Young Designated Player. The 22 year old midfielder will join the Dynamo on a full transfer from Sporting Clube de Braga in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
Martínez has played for Argentina at the international level in multiple youth tournaments. He played with the Under-20 team when they won the 2015 South American Youth Football Championship, earned a spot in the 2015 U-20 FIFA World Cup, and the 2016 Sumer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“Tomás Martínez is a player who we’ve tracked for quite some time, and after a lengthy process we’re pleased to welcome him to the Houston Dynamo,” said Dynamo Vice President and General Manager Matt Jordan in the team release. “At just 22 years old, he’s a young and very talented midfielder whose profile will add quality and creativity to our team. Tomás is eager to be a part of our club and contribute to the success of our team moving forward.”
Martínez moved to Sporting Braga in the Portuguese Primeira Liga on a full transfer prior to the start of the 2016-17 season. During that time he scored three goals and had one assist for the club.
The signing makes him the third Designated Player for the Dynamo joining Cubo Torres and Alberth Elis. He is the eighth international player on the Dynamo roster.