Charlotte FC's English and Scottish Connection: Players connected to Dean Smith and/or traveling to Charlotte for the World Cup this summer

By Andrew Crowell - @ajc10_11

John McGinn (Photo: Joe Prior/Visionhaus)

As the season progresses and teams begin to learn strengths/weaknesses, transfer rumors start to explode on the scene. What could some transfers look like in the coming windows for Charlotte FC? Dean Smith has lots of connections in England and Scotland, meaning big clubs with players on expiring contracts could look to reconnect with their old gaffer for a new challenge in the MLS. The Scottish National Team will also be calling Charlotte home for the 2026 World Cup, giving extra opportunity for the Queen City to show its worth to players who may be looking for a new club in the future.

Here is a list of 8 players that Dean Smith could influence on a move Stateside to reunite with their former gaffer, or because they could be staying in Charlotte as a part of the Scottish National Team this summer:

John McGinn, Center Midfielder

While his contract is not expiring soon, he is a prime candidate given his ties to Smith at Aston Villa and his playstyle in the midfield. He is definitely on the ambitious side of this list, but has to be mentioned. He will also be a part of the Scotland National Team during the World Cup.

Matt Targett, Left Back

Out of contract this summer, Targett is currently on loan at Middlesbrough from Newcastle United. He has been a consistent part of Middlesbrough’s side this season, as they sit second in the Championship. Targett is somewhat flexible with his positioning as he has also played in the midfield at times in his career.

Ryan Christie, Midfielder

Christie is a defensive midfielder who currently plays for AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. He was flagged due to his decreasing participation in games this season, playing only 26% of possible league minutes this season. Christie will also likely be on the plane with Scotland and staying in Charlotte this summer for the World Cup. He is not a former Smith player.

Kenny McLean, Midfielder

Out of contract this summer, Kenny McLean made 21 appearances for Smith at Norwich City in the heart of the midfield. The downside to McLean is that he is 34 years old and another aging midfielder might not be what Charlotte needs. He will also likely be in Charlotte for the World Cup.

Grant Hanley, Center back

Speaking of older players from Norwich, Grant Hanley is a 34-year-old centerback currently playing with Hibernian FC in Scotland. Not someone I would see Smith throwing a lot of effort at, as far as a signing. He will most likely be in Charlotte for the World Cup.

Danny Ings, Striker

The 33-year-old striker’s services currently belong to Sheffield United, where he has scored 1 goal in 19 appearances. Not beautiful stats, but in his defense, he has only played 16% of potential league minutes this season. He played for Smith at Aston Villa and made 9 appearances.

Ross Barkley, Attacking midfielder

The attacking midfielder made 24 appearances for Smith at Aston Villa and is currently with Villa for another spell. This season, he has 2 goals in 14 appearances, but has only played 14% of league minutes. Barkley would be a great addition to Charlotte and bring Premier League experience along with mentorship for the younger midfielders in the Charlotte locker room. 

Sam Byram, Left back

32-year-old Sam Byram is a defender for Leeds United currently. He made 15 appearances for Smith at Norwich City, and his contract ends this summer. Not a position of need for Charlotte, while Byram fits the criteria, he is not a realistic target at this stage.

Honorable Mention:

Solly March is another English player whose contract expires this summer. He is another player who could follow in the footsteps of Harry Toffolo and join his fellow countrymen in conquering a new challenge. Toffolo had expressed that Dean’s influence on the English game helped bring him to Charlotte, and many of these players could have a similar mindset, especially those who played for the former Aston Villa manager.