The Wilmington Hammerheads have signed a youngster who'll surely help them on the defensive end of the ball.
The Hammers have signed 19-year-old defender Fran Martinez and he's expected to bolster the team's defensive line but has his sights set on earning a first-team place in the near future. Even though he's quite young, Martinez has experience playing for Valencia's academy and he made it as far as the B team before being released.
Martinez spent this last preseason training with New York City FC (Hammers' MLS partner club) and he has signed a deal that will last through the entire USL season. Wilmington's coach Carson Porter was certainly pleased with the deal.
“It’s a symbol of sort of where we want the club to go,” Porter said. "This is just another step we’re trying to make for our club and we will help him develop, and then help him wherever he may go. A year, maybe two years, maybe more and see where it goes. But I’m really excited. He’s an exciting player. You see, he’s technical. He fits into what we want to do. He’s got some work to do, but I’m excited about him.”
It must be noted that isn't a loan del from NYCFC to Wilmington - Martinez arrived to the team as a free agent since he was cut from the preseason roster but the deal was facilitated since there's a partnership between both franchises.
The left-footed center back has played for Valencia and Real Murcia before arriving to the States.