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The Pity Martinez transfer rumors are not going away anytime soon. After being linked to a move to Gremio by TyC Sports just days ago, more reporting is emerging today that the two sides have agreed to personal terms.
Grêmio já ganhou o OK do empresário de Pity Martinez e vai aos EUA para negociar com o Atlanta. Sigam torcendo pq as coisas estão evoluindo. Direção do Grêmio esta pensando grande.
— Cesar Cidade Dias (@Cesarcdias) December 19, 2019
Cesar Cidade Dias is a multimedia broadcaster based in Brazil. The Brazilian season runs similarly to MLS, with the transfer window remaining open from January 10 to April 2.
If true, the only thing reportedly standing in the way of a move at this point is the settlement of a transfer fee between Gremio and Atlanta United. When asked during a conference call with media members in November whether Martinez would be an Atlanta United player in 2020, club Vice President Carlos Bocanegra gave a firm response in the affirmative.
Carlos Bocanegra only needed one word when asked if Pity Martinez would play with Atlanta United next season: “Yes.”
— Joe Patrick (@japatrick200) November 21, 2019
It’s clear at this point that there is interest in Pity from abroad, and it stands to reason that while the player may or may not be itching to make a move, he’d likely be open to it. Atlanta United signed Pity Martinez roughly a year ago from River Plate in the $10-15 million range, and Atlanta United would likely be reticent to release such an asset unless they get most of that money back in return. Martinez likely still has multiple years remaining on his contract, meaning the club has all the leverage when it comes to a sale.