The simple reason why Columbus Crew must stay away from latest MLS free agent

The Columbus Crew defeated FC Cincinnati 4-0 last Sunday to tie their three-legged first-round MLS playoff matches. The series will be decided this weekend, with the Crew full of confidence. Their manager, Wilfried Nancy, is one of the most highly rated in MLS, so he must ensure he recruits the right characters to the club.

It has recently been revealed that Josef Martinez will be leaving the San Jose Earthquakes at the end of the year. This is despite Martinez scoring 14 goals with three assists in 30 MLS regular-season games this campaign.

Martinez had great success with Atlanta United whom he won the MLS Cup. He spent five years with Atlanta, but has since become a bit of a journeyman. As well as the Quakes, the Venezuelan has spent a year at both Inter Miami and CF Montreal since leaving Atlanta.

There is no doubt that Martinez is an accomplished goalscorer. However, his attitude has often come into question; for example, a confrontation with his manager at Atlanta, Gonzalo Pineda, led to the player being suspended by his club.

Where could Josef Martinez end up?

Martinez needs to be coached by someone who understands him, such as Bruce Arena or Tata Martino. Therefore, Nancy may not want to take a chance on him. Also, the Crew has Wessam Abou Ali, who has scored three goals with one assist in five MLS games since joining from Al Ahly.

Abou Ali is currently out with an ankle injury, but the Crew has other center-forward options. This includes Canadian international Jacen Russell-Rowe, who has scored nine goals this season. Nancy also has the Nigerian Ibrahim Aliyu at his disposal. Aliyu can also operate on either wing and has six goal involvements this campaign.

According to The Athletic, "Martinez always has interest in a potential homecoming with Atlanta United, especially as Tata Martino is finalizing a deal to become head coach again."

Under Martino at Atlanta, Martinez scored 61 goals with 12 assists in 78 games. They had huge success together, winning the MLS Cup and the Eastern Conference. Martinez is only 32 and still an international for Venezuela. He has proved that he can still compete in MLS this year.

Martinez started his playing career in Venezuela with Caracas. He then got his chance in Europe with BSC Young Boys. He spent time on loan from the Swiss side with Thun before joining Torino. Martinez was not so prolific for the Serie A side, but found his level in MLS.