Dirty TackleObafemi Martins bought out his Levante contract so he can join Seattle
Former Inter and Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins has reportedly paid €3 million to buy out his contract with Levante so he can join the Seattle Sounders. Martins joined Levante in September on a free transfer and signed a two-year deal before becoming the club's leading scorer this season with seven La Liga goals in 21 appearances. And now, the 28-year-old Nigerian international is headed to MLS.
From Reuters:
"This afternoon, Martins has deposited with the Spanish football league the amount stipulated in the buy-out clause in his contract with Levante," the club said in a statement.
Spanish media reported the figure to be 3 million euros ($3.9 million).
A Twitter account supposedly belonging to Martins, who cost Russian club Rubin Kazan €17 million in 2010, and quoted by MLS's official website made the announcement that he's going to Seattle.
Wow..Finally,I can now announce that I have just signed for Sounders FC..A big step to take in my career.it's a big challenge but I'm ready
— OBAMARTINS (@oba_martins) March 11, 2013
Though Seattle will surely compensate Martins for buying out his deal with Levante one way or another, going to that extent shows an interesting level of desperation for the move. Martins has expressed a desire to move his family to the US. He is also reportedly expecting a baby with Mario Balotelli's sister Abigail. In December, the two were pictured struggling with his zipper in the middle of the street.
