Official: D.C. United re-signs Felipe for 2021

D.C. United announced today that Felipe Martins has signed a new deal with the Black-and-Red. The 30-year-old midfielder had been making approximately $550,000 in 2020 (the MLS Players Association did not release salary data last year), but his original contract option for 2021 was not exercised. While financial terms of the new deal were not announced, his contract is to run through 2021, with an option for 2022.

Felipe will also change his jersey number to his preferred number 8, replacing Ulises Segura, who was traded to Austin FC last month.

In the team release, United GM Dave Kasper said, “Felipe is a veteran leader for our club. His presence in both the locker room and on the field, paired with his qualities on and off the ball make him a valuable member for us now and moving forward. We know Felipe will return stronger than ever next season and we look forward to him continuing to play a leadership role for us.” Felipe provided his own remarks via Twitter:

Acquired in August 2019 from the Vancouver Whitecaps (after prior stints with the Montreal Impact and New York Red Bulls), Felipe appeared in 27 games with both clubs, starting 22 and registering a goal and an assist. His 2020 campaign saw him start all 7 games he appeared in, logging two assists before suffering an ACL tear in a September training session.

Felipe’s signing brings the club up to 22 players under contract less than one month before preseason is targeted to start on February 22.