SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC today announced that it has transferred forward Obafemi Martins to Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC of the Chinese Super League for an undisclosed sum. The Nigerian forward signed with Sounders FC as a Designated Player in March of 2013 and scored 40 goals in 72 MLS appearances for the Rave Green.
“We wish Obafemi success on his next challenge. Ultimately this transaction gives us roster and salary cap flexibility heading into our 2016 MLS season, including the opening of a Designated Player position,” said Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “We have a talented and capable group in our locker room, and we’re excited for the year ahead.”
Martins, 31, started 66 of 72 regular-season appearances for Sounders FC after signing as a Designated Player on March 15, 2013. The Nigerian forward scored 40 goals and recorded 23 assists, leading the club in scoring three consecutive seasons, including a club-record 17 tallies in 2014 en route to a runner-up finish for Volkswagen MLS MVP Award. A veteran of the Nigerian National Team, Martins’ previous stops included Internazionale, Newcastle United, VfL Wolfsburg, FC Rubin Kazan and Levante FC. His stay with Seattle was the forward’s second-longest stint of his seven-club career.
Sounders FC opened its 2016 season earlier this week with a 2-2 draw against Club America in the first leg of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal Round. Seattle heads to Mexico City for the return leg of the series on Wednesday, March 2 (5:00 p.m. PT / FOX Sports 2, Univision, KIRO Radio 97.1 FM) before opening its 2016 MLS campaign on Sunday, March 6 at home against Sporting Kansas City (4:00 p.m. PT / FOX Sports 1, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, El Rey 1360 AM).
TRANSACTION: Seattle Sounders FC transfers forward Obafemi Martins to Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC for an undisclosed sum on February 25, 2016.
