AFC Wimbledon have smashed their transfer record to sign a World Cup star in a bid to become promotion contenders.
Mario Martinez, a Honduran international who featured in his nation’s 2014 World Cup campaign, has been brought in for a fee believed to be around £625,000 from Honduran National League side Real Espana.
The figure is more than 24 times their previous record signing Byron Harrison who they parted in excess of £25,000 to secure from Stevenage FC.
Our sources understand the former Barcelona player has been able to link up with the Dons due to a technicality in the Honduran league’s rules, which allows players to sign with English League Two sides outside of the transfer window.
The midfielder can now add Kingsmeadow to a well-traveled career which has seen him ply his trade in Norway, Belgium, America, Ecuador and most recently on-loan at Egyptian side ENPPI.
The Don’s new signing boasts a substitute appearance against Ecuador in Brazil 2014 and has amassed more than 38 caps for his country, scoring four goals.
He has a reputation as a creative but steely player who is capable of finishing from outside the area, as his brace against Canada in 2012 demonstrated.
Martinez will link up immediately with Neal Ardley’s team and could even feature in tomorrow’s match day squad for their game at Wycombe Wanderers.
Image courtesy of Canal de MarioMartinezRubio via YouTube, with thanks
