TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing<\/p>\n
The Philadelphia Union<\/a> have acquired defender Geiner Mart\u00ednez from Uruguayan first-division side CA Juventud, the reigning Supporters’ Shield champions announced Tuesday.<\/p>\n The 23-year-old Colombian center back is under contract through the 2027-2028 season with options through the 2029-30 season.<\/p>\n Mart\u00ednez has scored four goals in 51 appearances (all competitions) spanning stints with Juventud and Central Espa\u00f1ol, both in Uruguay. He recently helped Juventud earn a historic promotion and qualify for the 2026 Copa Libertadores.<\/p>\n “Geiner is a young, strong player who brings intensity and a physical presence to our backline,” said Philadelphia head coach Bradley Carnell.<\/p>\n “The experience he\u2019s gained through earning promotion in two consecutive seasons is valuable; he is a competitor and dedicated to defending within our identity. We look forward to getting him integrated quickly with the team.”<\/p>\n Mart\u00ednez is the Union’s third defender signed this winter; they previously acquired Danish center back Japhet Sery Larsen<\/a> and US youth international Finn Sundstrom<\/a>.<\/p>\n Earlier this winter, the Union traded<\/a> former MLS Defender of the Year Jakob Glesnes<\/a> to the LA Galaxy<\/a> and transferred<\/a> three-time MLS All-Star Kai Wagner<\/a> to EFL Championship side Birmingham City.<\/p>\n Philly’s 2026 season starts on Feb. 21 at D.C. United<\/a> (7:30 pm ET | Apple TV<\/a>).<\/p>\n