There is always an opportunity for a second chance. For Gonzalo Pity Martínez that second chance at MLS may come with a move to FC Cincinnati according to reports. Pity Martínez was signed by Atlanta United in 2019 following his South American Player of the Year season at Argentine powerhouse River Plate, which culminated in a Copa Libertadores title. Martínez arrived at Atlanta with high expectations but for whatever reason the five stripes only saw moments of brilliance rather than consistent play. A problem that has plagued Pity throughout his career. At Atlanta, Martínez played only 39 games and scored 7 goals, he was in and out of the line up as his relationship, along with many other players, with then manager Frank de Boer had deteriorated.
When Atlanta was offered the unexpected sum of $18 million for Pity Martínez the move was a no brainer for the club and the player. Atlanta received a huge sum of money for an inconsistent player and for Pity it was a substantial pay raise, from only $900,000 annually to a reported $4.5 million yearly. The deal was done and Martínez became one of the highest outgoing transfers in league history.
At Al-Nassr, the Argentine midfielder has flourished winning the Saudi Super Cup in 2020, but there are rumors and reports that Al-Nassr players have not been paid in months and that the club is looking to clear its books. At his current salary it will most likely mean Pity will need to take a pay cut to return to MLS.
What Pity Martínez said on Instagram about his move back to MLS
Pity Martínez took to Instagram and posted a story, they last for only 24 hours, that he was very happy at Al-Nassr and that he had no intentions of leaving the club. If Martínez does return to MLS he would have to go through the allocation process, where Cincinnati is 14th and would have to trade to get the midfielder.
Despite his inconsistencies, Pity Martínez has won titles at every club he has ever played for, winning 1 championship with his childhood team Huracán, 8 championships at River Plate, 2 with Atlanta United, and now 1 at Al-Nassr.
The 27-year-old has also earned3 caps for Argentina where he scored 1 goal. If the MLSPU and MLS come to an agreement on the new CBA, the league is scheduled to kick off in March.