Five potential summer transfer targets for Charlotte FC

By Sam Vanolinda

As we reviewed potential summer departures last week, it's only right that we take a look at transfer targets this week.

While Charlotte FC started this season well, they have now fallen down the table and could use a spark, which could come in the form of a new player(s).

It starts with identifying the needs of this team. Recently, the defense has struggled, and the midfield looks tired.

Additionally, a right-winger has been needed for some time. Striker depth could also be addressed, providing more competition for Agyemang.

Let’s take a look at some players who could make the move to the MLS soon and could fit at Charlotte FC:

Callum Wilson

Wilson was once a dominant Premier League striker for Newcastle, but injuries and the world-class quality of Alexander Isak have derailed his career with the Magpies.

Wilson has a concrete interest in moving to the MLS, and Charlotte FC is a team he would fit into nicely. There is already a high level of English influence in the team, with head coach Dean Smith, Ashley Westwood, Nathan Byrne, and Tyger Smalls. 

Wilson would put pressure on Agyemang to perform, or could pair up with him in a two-striker formation. Players always step up their production when they have stiff competition. 

Some more veteran presence on the attacking end would also improve the team's composure. Wilson has scored big goals for Newcastle and has made appearances for England so he won’t be afraid of the moment.

Jamie Vardy

English legend Jamie Vardy will always be a popular name to mention when discussing transfers. 

The Leicester City icon had a respectable nine goals and four assists in his last season with the Foxes. Many teams have shown interest, ranging from Championship to Scottish teams and newly promoted Premier League teams.

The MLS or Saudi Arabia are also options that the 38-year-old will consider. 

Wilson would be a better fit in Charlotte because he is a more similar type of striker to Agyemang, allowing him to mentor him more effectively.

That said, who wouldn’t want a player like Vardy on their team? The entertainment levels will instantly increase, and Vardy already has a connection with his former Manager, Dean Smith.

It was revealed in this Goal article that in the Summer of 2024, he sent a text trying to convince Vardy to come to Charlotte.

Although Vardy turned down that offer at the time and signed a one-year extension with Leicester, Smith is likely in contact with him now.

Jordan Ayew

I have watched many Jordan Ayew games as a Crystal Palace supporter. He is not the most flashy player (besides when he turned into prime Neymar against West Ham), but he is incredible at keeping the ball and progressing attacks from the Right side of the field.

In the biggest league in the world, Ayew was routinely in the top five most fouled players. He possesses great strength and composure on the ball, so you can kick it up to him and he will likely draw a foul or create a scoring opportunity.

He is also a solid finisher when he gets the chance. I think he would excel in the MLS and become one of Charlotte’s most important players, filling the gap on the right wing.

Ayew also has a connection with Wilfried Zaha, so he would be comfortable reuniting with his former teammate.

His contract with Leicester ends in 2026, but I imagine the Ghanaian wouldn’t want to play in the Championship at this point in his career.

Micheal Keane

Michael Keane is an experienced English center back who has been very solid for Everton for eight years. He could provide a level of experience in the back, especially if Adilson Malanda ends up leaving the team over the summer window.

It is reported that the newly promoted teams, Leeds United and Burley, have both shown interest in the 32-year-old, but a move to the MLS cannot be ruled out, especially with the English pull that Dean Smith has.

Charlotte FC needs a player in the middle of the defense who is disciplined and organized from the start of the game to the end. Too often recently, Malanda, Privett, and Ream have fallen asleep in key moments, allowing the opponents to score.

Keane is fundamentally sound and experienced, yet also young enough to keep up with the MLS opponents he may face, making him a good option for Charlotte.

Marko Arnautović

The Austrian’s contract with Inter Milan ends on July 1st. Arnautović is a physical specimen, standing around 6 ft 3 and weighing approximately 183 pounds. 

But it is more his mindset and play style that makes him scare defenders. He is a powerful striker and a great finisher, with 121 goals to his name in his career for teams such as Stoke City, Inter Milan, and Bologna, among others.

While his career is in its sunset at 36 years old, he still scored four goals last season for Inter Milan in only five starts.

He would be an excellent fit for Charlotte FC, bringing much-needed experience to the striker position. Like Wilson, he could mentor Agyemang.

(Stats pulled from fbref.com)

Who would you most want at Charlotte FC?

• Callum Wilson
• Jamie Vardy
• Jordan Ayew
• Michael Keane

See All Options