CHESTER, Pa.—The offseason and preseason for the Philadelphia have been nothing short of slow with the recent additions and departures. The Union’s front office once again is busy at work as it has officially announced the addition of Colombian center back Geiner Martínez as first reported by Jose Nuñez back on December 7th.

The 23-year old, 6’3″ defender has been signed through the 2027-2028 season, with options for the 2028-2029 and 2029-2030 seasons. He will occupy an international roster slot, and be added to the active roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.

The Colombian defender arrives in Philadelphia after appearing in 14 matches in 2025 in Uruguay’s Liga AUF Uruguaya, which is the top division in the country, for CA Juventud de Las Piedras.

Martínez logged 1,049 minutes in total along with 12 starts overall and one goal for Juventud who finished in fourth place in the league’s table in 2025.

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

Geiner will now join a Union defensive group that has been overhauled with the departure of Jakob Glesnes to the LA Galaxy and Kai Wagner’s move to Birmingham City, and the additions of Japhet Sery Larsen and Finn Sundstrom. Olwethu Makhanya, a breakout star in his first season at the MLS level, rounds out the center backs. The club is looking to bring young talent in ahead of 2026, and Martínez adds center back depth heading into the 2026 season—a luxury they did not have in 2025, and one that could be very beneficial with the amount of competitions that lie ahead.

Main article photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union