Leipzig back-up keeper Martinez bound for Serie B

Oliver Hartmann of German footballing magazine Kicker reports that RB Leipzig back-up keeper Josep Martinez is set for a move to CFC Genoa 1893. 

After making just four competitive appearances for the German Red Bulls since signing on some two years ago, underutilized Spanish net-minder Josep Martinez is headed for the exits. According to Oliver Hartmann of German footballing magazine Kicker, the 24-year-old is off to Genoa CFC in the Italian Serie B.

Martinez returns to second division football after failing to make a breakthrough in the German top flight. The once-capped Spanish international joined Leipzig from Spanish Segunda side UD Las Palmas in the summer of 2020. The forthcoming transfer actually leaves the question of who will back up captain Peter Gulacsi open.

Swiss international Yvon Mvogo, most recently returned from an extended loan to PSV Eindhoven, is widely regarded to have no future with the club and has been given permission to negotiate with a potential new employer. Newly acquired former Rostock keeper Janis Blaswich is the presumed #2. The Erdevisie veteran nevertheless still hasn’t played above the German third division.

Martinez will be the second Bundesliga player to make the move to the recently relegated Italian side this week. Former RB Leipzig man, who never actually served beside Martinez in the Saxon capital, Stefan Ilsanker also made the switch to Il Grifone on a free transfer.

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