Philadelphia Union

Union announce signing of Colombian center back Geiner Martinez

Published

3 days ago

February 4, 2026

The Philadelphia Union back line has added another important piece with the signing of 23-year-old Colombian center back Geiner Martinez.

Martinez comes to the Union via CA Juventud in the Uruguayan top flight. Though the fee wasn’t disclosed in the announcement it’s believed to be just under $1 million. The Union signed him through the 2027-28 season with two additional club option years.

“Geiner is a young, strong player who brings intensity and a physical presence to our backline,” Philadelphia Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell said in a news release. “The experience he’s 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.”

The 6-foot-3 Martinez gives Carnell four center backs on the first team roster with returning starter Olwethu Makhanya and fellow newcomers Japhet Sery Larsen and Finn Sundstrom. He will occupy an international roster spot.

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Matthew Ralph

Matthew Ralph is the managing editor of Philadelphia Soccer Now. He's covered soccer at all levels for a decade in the Philadelphia region and has also written for TheCup.us, NPSL, PrepSoccer and other publications. He lives with his wife and two young children in Broomall, Pa., but grew up in South Jersey and is originally from Kansas.