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Charlotte FC has agreed to a deal with former Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin.
What happened?
The French winger will fill a designated player slot, allowing him to bypass the league's salary cap regulations.
This move comes after Wilfried Zaha announced his departure from Charlotte FC.
Why it matters for Charlotte FC
Saint-Maximin's arrival is a significant boost to the team's offense, especially with the MLS campaign currently paused due to World Cup preparations.
The incoming forward joins Charlotte at a fascinating juncture, with the team sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference standings.
What comes next?
Saint-Maximin will use this mid-season break to integrate into the squad before making his home debut against Atlanta United on July 22.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 22 | Charlotte FC vs Atlanta United |
Saint-Maximin's impending transfer concludes a nomadic period since his £23 million departure from St James' Park in 2023. He enjoyed an exceptional half-season back in France, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 13 appearances.
The former Premier League fan-favourite is scheduled to fill a prominent status in North Carolina.
Player background
Following a spell at Al-Ahli and a productive loan under Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce, he turned out for Club America before joining Lens on a short-term deal in February 2026.
Charlotte FC's new employers will be looking to Saint-Maximin to make an immediate impact. And with the team 12 points adrift of pacesetters Nashville, they will need him to hit the ground running. But for now, the focus is on integrating the new signing into the squad. So the upcoming weeks will be crucial for Saint-Maximin as he looks to make a lasting impression on his new teammates.
